Indian Railways (IR) has approved two capacity enhancement projects – a 54-km long Kiul-Jhajha 3rd line in East Central Railway (ECR) and a 68-km long Arakkonam -Chengalpattu doubling in Southern Railway (SR) costing ₹1955 crore.
Kiul-Jhajha 3rd Line Project
The-54 km Kiul Jhajha 3rd line in ECR’s Danapur Division has been sanctioned at a cost of ₹962 crore, to enhance line capacity, reduce congestion and improve operational efficiency on the high-density Howrah-Delhi corridor.
At present, the existing double line section between Kiul and Jhajha is operating beyond optimal capacity utilisation, while traffic demand on the corridor is expected to increase further in the coming years.
The project will strengthen connectivity between Patna and Kolkata, while supporting freight movement between Kolkata/Haldia ports and Raxaul/Nepal. The route handles substantial freight traffic towards Barh STPP, Jawahar STPP and Birganj ICD.
Arakkonam-Chengalpattu Doubling Project
The 68-km Arakkonam-Chengalpattu Doubling project in SR’s Chennai Division has been sanctioned at a cost ₹993 crore. The section forms part of the important Chennai suburban circular rail network connecting Chennai Beach, Tambaram, Chengalpattu and Arakkonam.
At present, the existing single line section is operating at a high level of capacity utilisation, and traffic is expected to increase further in the future. The doubling works will help reduce detention time of trains, improve punctuality and increase the frequency of suburban services.
The route serves several major economic and industrial hubs including Mahindra World City, Sriperumbudur, Oragadam and Irungattukottai, along with important automobile, cement and manufacturing industries. The proposed Parandur Airport project near Kancheepuram is also located close to the alignment, further increasing the importance of the route.
