The Union Cabinet’s Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved two major railway infrastructure projects worth ₹3,907 crore for Odisha and Jharkhand, including the long-awaited doubling of the Paradip–Haridaspur railway line.

The 74-km Paradip–Haridaspur rail line doubling project, estimated at ₹2,542 crore, is expected to be completed within four years. The project will significantly improve rail connectivity to Paradip Port, linking it with the Howrah–Chennai main line at Haridaspur. It will also strengthen freight movement from the Talcher coalfields, iron ore mines, and steel plants, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said.

The project is expected to benefit residents of Jajpur, Kendrapara, and Jagatsinghpur districts by improving transportation infrastructure and supporting industrial growth.

The Cabinet also approved the Rajkharsawan–Dangua Posi fourth railway line, taking the combined length of the two sanctioned projects to 145 km. The railway expansion is expected to improve connectivity between Odisha and Jharkhand while easing congestion on busy rail corridors.

According to the government, the projects will directly benefit more than 14 lakh people across 1,526 villages. Improved rail infrastructure will also enhance access to major tourist destinations, including Lalitgiri Buddhist Complex, Shri Baladev Jew Temple, and Meghahatuburu Hills.

The railway projects are expected to increase freight carrying capacity by 44 million tonnes annually, save around 60 million litres of fuel every year, and reduce 290 million kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to planting nearly 10 million trees.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the projects would accelerate economic growth in Odisha and Jharkhand, expand the railway network, reduce congestion, and promote tourism.

Welcoming the approval, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi thanked Prime Minister Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, describing the Paradip–Haridaspur rail doubling project as a significant milestone in strengthening Odisha’s railway infrastructure and improving connectivity to Paradip Port.

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