An 11-kilometer-long bypass line between the Adra end and Joychandipahar sections of South Eastern Railway has been approved at a cost of ₹272 crore. By providing connectivity in both directions and a separate route for the upcoming third line, this project will boost industrial freight transportation. It is expected to significantly support SAIL’s annual iron ore requirement of 23.40 Million Tonnes and the operation of approximately 45 BCCL freight trains daily.
Increasing Corridor Efficiency and Mobility
The Adra–Joychandipahar–Sanka bypass will alleviate existing operational constraints and delays caused by road traffic on the Adra–Joychandipahar section. Currently, the network is operating at 71% utilization, which is impacting freight movement. The alternative line will enhance operational efficiency, reduce congestion, and facilitate an additional 8.88 million tonnes of freight traffic annually. The current line utilization stands at 47.50% and is projected to reach 56.45% by 2028–29.
Strengthening the Energy, Mineral and Cement Corridor
This bypass line is a crucial component of the energy, mineral, and cement corridor designated by Indian Railways, and it will facilitate the development of additional rail capacity along the Adra-Joychandipahar corridor. The project will enhance freight transport capacity and operational efficiency, thereby streamlining the movement of industrial goods.
Additionally, it will alleviate road traffic-related bottlenecks and operational pressures while providing the necessary extra capacity to accommodate growing industrial traffic. This will help ensure more reliable, seamless, and congestion-free movement of goods along this strategic corridor, while also catering to future transportation needs.
(PIB)
