New Delhi, Jan 29 — The Ministry of Railways has sanctioned the construction of a fourth railway line between Baikunth and Urkura, spanning 26.40 kilometres, at an estimated cost of ₹426.01 crore under the South East Central Railway.
The Baikunth–Urkura section is a crucial part of the Bilaspur–Raipur–Nagpur main line, which also falls on the Mumbai–Howrah high-density corridor, one of the busiest rail networks in the country. The existing lines are operating at saturated capacity, highlighting the urgent need for expansion to improve efficiency and reduce congestion.
The newly sanctioned fourth line will ease passenger train congestion, enhance punctuality, and allow the introduction of additional coaching services. It is expected to support increased freight movement, handling an estimated 14.25 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), generating additional revenue of ₹61.70 crore for Indian Railways in its first year of operation.
The project aligns with the region’s rapid industrial growth, which includes power plants, coal mines, steel, and cement units, along with allied industries. The fourth line will enable faster and more reliable transportation of bulk commodities, strengthen supply chains, and boost regional economic activity.
This development has been identified under the Energy, Cement, and Mineral Corridor, reflecting Indian Railways’ commitment to improving infrastructure in high-traffic and economically significant regions.
Once completed, the Baikunth–Urkura fourth line is expected to transform passenger travel with smoother, faster journeys, while simultaneously enhancing freight efficiency, supporting industrial operations, and contributing to the region’s broader economic growth. The project reinforces Indian Railways’ focus on modernisation and capacity augmentation in critical railway corridors.
