Indian Railways has approved the 6-kilometer-long Barbil-BolaniKhadan doubling project of South Eastern Railway. Costing ₹122 crore, the project aims to enhance freight transportation capacity on a key route used for mineral transport.
Upon completion of this project, an additional freight-carrying capacity of 8.9 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) is expected to be added. This will help streamline the movement of freight trains and reduce train delays.
Currently, this single-line section handles the transport of approximately 9 MTPA of freight, with about six rakes loaded with iron ore operating daily.
The Barbil-Bolanikhadan mine section is part of the Indian Railways’ energy, mineral, and cement corridor. It transports high-quality iron ore and pellets from SAIL’s Bolani mines and private sidings to steel plants and ports.
This ‘doubling’ work is being carried out as part of a plan to expand the capacity of mines, plants, and ports in the region. It is expected to alleviate future capacity-related constraints and facilitate the movement of iron ore and other commodities as industrial and mining activities increase.
(PIB)
