New Delhi: Midnapur third line project has received approval from Indian Railways at a cost of ₹440 crore to increase rail capacity, reduce congestion and improve passenger and freight operations on the South Eastern Railway.
The project covers the construction of a 14.52-km third line between Nimpura West Outer Cabin and Midnapur. The section forms part of the High Utilisation Network (HUN-2), where traffic demand has already exceeded available capacity.
Railway officials said the existing route operates at 115.71% line capacity. The new infrastructure will improve operational flexibility and help handle rising passenger and freight movement on the busy corridor.
Midnapur third line to boost freight movement
Midnapur third line will strengthen the movement of essential commodities, including coal, iron ore, manganese, steel, cement, fertilisers, petroleum products, rice, wheat and containers. The corridor currently handles nearly 23.80 million tonnes of freight every year.
After completion, the project will support an additional freight capacity of 3.52 million tonnes per annum. As a result, industries and businesses along the route will benefit from faster transportation and improved network reliability.
Indian Railways said the project forms part of its ongoing capacity expansion programme across high-density routes. The additional line will reduce operational bottlenecks, improve train punctuality and support future traffic growth while strengthening freight logistics.
The railway ministry said continued investment in network expansion aims to build a faster, more efficient and future-ready railway system that supports economic growth across the country.
