Bhubaneswar: In a significant step toward modernising railway infrastructure in Odisha, the Ministry of Railways has sanctioned the construction of a fourth railway line between Ranital Link Cabin and Bhadrak station, spanning 5.06 km. The project, estimated to cost ₹149.32 crore, is set to play a crucial role in easing congestion and enhancing freight and passenger train operations along one of India’s busiest railway routes.
The Ranital–Bhadrak stretch lies on the Howrah–Chennai High-Density Network (HDN), a vital corridor for both long-distance passenger trains and heavy freight movement. The new line will decongest the section by facilitating segregation of freight and coaching traffic, especially goods trains heading toward Dhamra and Paradeep ports.
Currently, this heavily used segment suffers from bottlenecks that frequently delay passenger and Mail/Express trains. The introduction of a fourth line is expected to improve punctuality, enable smoother movement of coaching trains between Kharagpur and Bhubaneswar, and significantly enhance the overall operational efficiency of the corridor.
Officials from East Coast Railway noted that this infrastructure expansion is part of a broader initiative to upgrade Odisha’s railway network into a world-class system, capable of meeting growing demand from both passengers and industries. The project will also provide a critical boost to freight handling capacity, further strengthening Odisha’s role as a logistics hub in eastern India.
Once completed, the section will be better equipped to manage increasing traffic volumes, paving the way for faster, more reliable train services across the region.
