Keonjhar, Sept. 29 (UDN): Indian Railways has approved the doubling of the 6-km Barbil-Bolanikhadan railway section in Odisha at an estimated cost of Rs 122 crore, aimed at expanding freight capacity on one of the state’s key mineral transportation routes.
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The project, under the South Eastern Railway, is expected to facilitate an additional 8.9 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of freight movement once commissioned and help reduce delays in the operation of freight trains.
Single-Line Route Handles Heavy Mineral Traffic
The Barbil-Bolanikhadan stretch is currently a single-line section carrying around 9 MTPA of freight.
The route handles nearly six loaded rakes of iron ore every day, with high-grade iron ore and pellets forming a major share of the freight traffic.
The material is transported from SAIL’s Bolani mines and private sidings, including those operated by Rungta and Khatau Narbheram, to steel plants and ports.
Capacity Expansion To Support Industry
The section has been identified under Indian Railways’ Energy, Mineral and Cement Corridor, making the doubling project significant for mineral and industrial freight movement in the region.
Railway authorities expect the additional track to ease congestion and improve the movement of freight trains, particularly as mining activities and industrial capacity expand.
The project is also expected to strengthen rail connectivity between mineral-producing areas, industrial units and ports, supporting the movement of raw materials and finished products.
Additional 8.9 MTPA Freight Capacity
With the second line in place, the railway section is projected to handle an additional 8.9 MTPA of freight.
The capacity enhancement is expected to help address anticipated pressure on the existing single-line route arising from planned expansion of mining operations, steel production and port-related activities.
The doubling of the short but strategically important stretch is thus expected to provide additional rail capacity for Odisha’s mineral-rich Keonjhar region and facilitate more efficient freight transportation.
