NE INFRASTRUCTURE BUREAU
KOLKATA, MAY 2
In a decisive leap toward future-ready rail systems, Indian Railways has approved infrastructure projects worth ₹895.30 crore, targeting both urban transit efficiency and critical freight connectivity.
Indian Railways Approves ₹895.30 Crore Projects for Power System Upgradation and Bridge Infrastructure
💠₹671.72 Cr Kolkata Metro Upgrade with 7 New Traction Substations and Power System Augmentation from 11KV to 33 KV for Higher Frequency & Capacity Expansion
💠Approvals to…
— PIB India (@PIB_India) May 2, 2026
Metro Power Surge for Speed & Scale
A major chunk—₹671.72 crore—has been earmarked for the North–South Corridor of Kolkata Metro, focusing on power system augmentation and capacity expansion.
- Indian Railways Clears Twin Infra Push for Kolkata Metro and Eastern Freight Lifeline
- ₹671.72 Cr Power Upgrade to Double Metro Frequency on North–South Corridor
- 2.5-Minute Headway Target to Transform Urban Mobility in Kolkata
- ₹223.58 Cr Adra Bridge Project to Reinforce Coal Corridor & Industrial Arteries
- Modernisation Drive Focuses on Safety, Reliability and High-Capacity Operations
The project includes the installation of seven new traction substations and a comprehensive upgrade of auxiliary and traction power systems from 11 KV to 33 KV across key stretches—from Esplanade to Kavi Subhash.
“With the sanctioning of this project, Kolkata Metro will be enabled to operate at a 2.5-minute headway, significantly enhancing line capacity and service frequency,” officials said.
Originally designed in the 1980s for 5-minute train intervals, the corridor has been grappling with rising passenger demand and ageing infrastructure. The upgrade aims to ensure reliable power supply, reduce maintenance bottlenecks, and support high-frequency operations.
“The approved upgradation will ensure reliable power supply, support higher train frequency, and improve overall passenger service,” the statement added.
Stronger Bridges for Freight Backbone
Complementing the metro push is a ₹223.58 crore bridge infrastructure project in the Adra Division under South Eastern Railway.
The project involves reconstruction of the substructure of Bridge No. 520 across the Damodar section—an ageing structure dating back to 1903 (DN line) and 1965 (UP line), now showing structural stress.
Strategically located on the Asansol–Tatanagar route, this section forms a crucial feeder to dedicated freight corridors and a high-density coal route with 67 GMT traffic.
“The project will enhance safety, reliability, and operational efficiency,” officials noted, highlighting its role in strengthening logistics for industries in the Durgapur–Asansol belt, including steel plants and thermal power units.
A Strategic Rail Renaissance
Together, these projects underline Indian Railways’ multi-pronged approach—boosting metro capacity in urban centres while fortifying freight corridors that power industrial growth.
“These projects represent a significant step towards modernisation, safety enhancement, and capacity expansion across Indian Railways,” the statement emphasised.
From surging metros beneath Kolkata to resilient bridges over Damodar, India’s rail story accelerates on twin tracks of speed and strength.
