Kharagpur, India – Railway passengers in the Kharagpur Division are set to benefit significantly from major infrastructure upgrades recently approved by the Indian Railways. In a move aimed at resolving persistent delays and improving train operations, the Railways has sanctioned the construction of two crucial third lines within the division, representing a substantial investment worth hundreds of crores of rupees.
This initiative is expected to streamline traffic flow and alleviate the congestion that frequently plagues train movements, especially for long-distance services.
Third Lines Approved for Key Corridors
The most significant development is the approval of the long-awaited third line connecting Kharagpur Station to Nimoura Yard. This project spans 6.41 kilometers and has been allocated ₹157.86 crore.
Additionally, the Railways has given the green light for a third line extending from Kalaikunda to Nimoura Yard, covering a distance of 12.33 kilometers with an approved budget of ₹224.44 crore.
These projects will address a critical bottleneck in the division. For years, passenger trains, freight trains, and other services experienced delays in obtaining signals while entering Kharagpur or Hijli stations.
The introduction of these third lines is expected to significantly ease this congestion, ensuring smoother entry and exit for trains on vital routes connecting Howrah to Mumbai and Howrah to Chennai. Railway officials anticipate that once these lines are operational, locomotive pilots will no longer face the same signal-related delays.
Focus on Panskura-Digha Line
In parallel with the third line projects, the Railways continues to focus on the development of the Panskura-Digha line. This route has seen a steady increase in passenger traffic, prompting the introduction of extended special train services.
The Railways has expressed further development plans for this corridor. In a recent inspection, K.R. Chowdhury, DRM of the Kharagpur Division, visited key stations along the route, including Panskura, Tamluk, and Digha, which are part of the ‘Amrit Bharat’ station scheme.
The DRM also inspected Deshpran and Kanthi stations and confirmed that the ongoing upgrade work at these locations is progressing on schedule.
The approval of the third lines and the continued focus on the Panskura-Digha corridor underscore the Railways’ commitment to modernizing the Kharagpur Division and enhancing the travel experience for millions of passengers. Construction for the third lines is expected to begin soon.