Indian Railways infra push: Rs 2,414 crore projects approved across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand & Punjab

Presently, the line operates at 108% utilisation, with train detention ranging between 90-150 minutes, handling 78 trains daily (38 passenger and 40 freight) and supporting a freight throughput of 35.22 MTPA. Without intervention, utilisation was projected to reach 132% by 2028–29, said Railways.

• Electronic Interlocking on High-Density Network (HDN) and Highly Utilized Network (HUN) Routes

To enhance safety and operational efficiency, the national transporter has approved the implementation of Electronic Interlocking (EI) at 34 stations across Northern Railway routes where Kavach is being rolled out. This includes 21 stations in the Delhi Division at a cost of Rs 292.24 crore and 13 stations in the Ambala Division costing Rs 129.17 crore.

These upgrades will enable faster and safer train operations, improve the reliability of signalling systems, support higher train frequencies on high-density routes, and complement modern train protection systems, it said.

• Rajpura Bypass Line (13.46 km), Northern Railway

The approval of the Rajpura Bypass Line will significantly enhance capacity and operational efficiency on the Ambala–Jalandhar section. It is one of the busiest corridors on Northern Railway. The project will provide direct rail connectivity between New Shambhu Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) station and Kauli station on the Rajpura–Bathinda line, enabling freight trains to bypass the congested Rajpura Yard. It will be developed at an estimated cost of Rs 411.96 crore.

• Alappuzha–Ambalapuzha Doubling (12.66 km)

The Alappuzha–Ambalapuzha Doubling project will remove a critical single-line constraint on the Ernakulam–Turavur–Kayankulam route. Once completed, it will enable nine additional passenger trains per day in each direction, add 2.88 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of freight capacity, and generate additional annual earnings of Rs 3.23 crore. This rail project will be developed at an estimated cost of Rs 324.16 crore.

• Palakkad Town–Parli Bypass Line (1.80 km)

The Palakkad Town–Parli Bypass line will be developed at an estimated cost of Rs 163.57 crore. It will provide operational and passenger benefits by eliminating engine reversal at Palakkad Junction in Kerala for multiple train services. It reduces average detention of passenger trains by 40-44 minutes and cuts freight detention by up to 120 minutes per train, while also supporting additional passenger services planned from Palakkad Junction.

“By streamlining train movements, the bypass will significantly improve punctuality on routes connecting Shoranur, Thiruvananthapuram, and Pollachi, while easing congestion at one of Southern Railway’s busiest junctions,” the Railways said.

• Irugur–Podanur Doubling (10.77 km)

The Irugur–Podanur Doubling project will provide a crucial link on the Chennai–Thiruvananthapuram corridor. It will be developed at an estimated cost of Rs 277.42 crore. This project will allow the operation of 15 additional passenger trains per day and increase freight capacity by 3.12 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), with annual net earnings expected to rise by Rs 11.77 crore.