Indian Railways Sanctions ₹440 Crore for Third-Line Connectivity Upgrade on SER.

Indian Railways has approved the construction of a 14.52-km third railway line between Nimpura West Outer Cabin and Midnapur on the South Eastern Railway (SER) at an estimated cost of ₹440 crore, aimed at improving passenger and freight movement on a high-utilisation route.

The project is part of the national transporter’s capacity augmentation programme to enhance operational efficiency across high-density railway corridors. The section falls under the High Utilisation Network (HUN-2), where the Nimpura West Outer Cabin-Gokulpur stretch currently has a single line, while doubling work is already in progress.

The proposed third line is expected to increase route capacity, provide greater operational flexibility and help reduce congestion on the corridor.

Project to Add 3.52 MTPA Freight Capacity

The route currently handles around 23.80 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of freight, carrying key commodities such as coal, iron ore, steel, cement, containers, petroleum products, fertilisers, limestone, clinker and foodgrains.

With the existing section operating at 115.71% line capacity utilisation, the corridor faces significant operational pressure. The addition of the third line is expected to enable an incremental freight capacity of 3.52 MTPA while improving passenger train operations.

Indian Railways said the project will strengthen connectivity for industries dependent on the corridor, enhance network reliability and support faster movement of essential commodities.

The initiative is part of the Railways’ broader strategy to expand infrastructure capacity and develop a more efficient, reliable and future-ready railway network.