Indian Railways has greenlit a series of strategic infrastructure projects in the Northern, Southern, and Eastern Railway zones. These projects are aimed at upgrading coaching maintenance systems, easing congestion in high-traffic areas, removing operational bottlenecks, and boosting both passenger and freight capacities.
One of the sanctioned projects involves developing Coach Maintenance Facilities at Shri Ganganagar Station in Rajasthan under Phase-I, with an investment of Rs 174.2644 crore. This initiative is part of a broader plan to enhance maintenance infrastructure for modern rolling stock, including LHB and Vande Bharat trains.
The approved works include the construction of various facilities such as washing lines, stabling lines, pit lines, a wheel lathe line, and an engine escape line. Additionally, a sick line shed will be built, which is expected to increase the average maintenance capacity by six additional rakes per day upon completion.
To cater to the growing maintenance demands due to the expansion of Vande Bharat and LHB services in the Bikaner region, Indian Railways has also sanctioned the Augmentation of Coaching Maintenance Facilities at Lalgarh, Rajasthan under Phase-II, costing Rs 139.6820 crore. This augmentation project aims to enhance maintenance readiness for additional Vande Bharat trainsets and other rolling stock, ensuring improved reliability and passenger service outcomes.
In Kerala, Indian Railways has approved the doubling of the 21.10-kilometre Turavur–Mararikulam section of Southern Railway at a cost of Rs 450.59 crore. This section, part of the Ernakulam–Alappuzha–Kayankulam corridor, plays a crucial role in handling both passenger and freight traffic, including cargo linked to the port, thereby supporting smoother logistics operations and regional economic growth.
Furthermore, a 4.75-km Kalipahari Bypass Line is set to be constructed under Eastern Railway in West Bengal at a cost of Rs 107.10 crore to address operational challenges in the Asansol area. The bypass line will provide direct connectivity between South Eastern Railway and Eastern Railway, eliminating the need for engine reversal at Asansol Yard, thereby reducing congestion and enhancing infrastructure utilization.
