Rs. 895 Crore Boost for Railways: Centre Approves Metro Upgrades and Bridge Safety Projects

New Delhi: The Centre has approved railway infrastructure projects worth ?895.30 crore, focusing on improving metro capacity and strengthening critical bridge infrastructure, according to the Ministry of Railways.

A major portion of the investment—?671.72 crore—has been allocated to upgrade the power supply system of the North–South Corridor of the Kolkata Metro. The plan includes setting up seven new traction substations and enhancing existing auxiliary and traction systems between Esplanade and Kavi Subhash.

Additionally, parts of the corridor will see an upgrade in power infrastructure from 11 kV to 33 kV. Originally developed in the 1980s with a train frequency of around five minutes, the corridor is expected to achieve a reduced headway of 2.5 minutes after the upgrade—effectively doubling operational capacity and improving commuter convenience.

In a separate move, ?223.58 crore has been sanctioned for strengthening bridge infrastructure in the Adra division under the South Eastern Railway. The project includes reconstruction work on “Bridge No. 520” between Madhukunda and Damodar, along with yard remodelling and associated track improvements.

The existing bridge over the Damodar River, originally built in 1903 and later expanded in 1965, has aged significantly and requires structural reinforcement. This route is a vital freight corridor linking Asansol and Tatanagar and plays a crucial role in coal transportation across the industrial belt.

Officials noted that the project will improve safety, reliability, and operational efficiency while supporting industrial growth in the Durgapur–Asansol region.

These initiatives are part of the government’s broader push to modernise railway infrastructure, enhance safety standards, and meet the rising demand for efficient transport services across the country.

With inputs from IANS