Enhanced Rail Connectivity Planned for Paradip, Dhamra, and Haldia Ports

By Admin

14 Apr, 2025

Boosting Eastern India's Port Infrastructure and Logistics Efficiency

The Indian government is stepping up its commitment to infrastructure development with a renewed focus on enhancing rail connectivity to three key eastern ports—Paradip, Dhamra, and Haldia. These developments are poised to streamline cargo movement, bolster trade, and support the region’s economic growth.

Strategic Expansion for Paradip Port
Located in Odisha, Paradip Port is one of India’s major maritime gateways, and it’s getting a significant railway upgrade. Five distinct railway projects are in progress or in the pipeline:

• Construction of a third and fourth railway line between Paradip and Badabandha (19 km) has already been sanctioned.
  
  

• A rail flyover between Paradip and Siju is being developed to ease congestion.
  
  

• Automatic signaling between Cuttack and Paradip is being implemented to enhance train operations.
  
  

• A survey has been approved for a third and fourth line between Cuttack and Badabandha (72 km).
  
  

• Additionally, doubling work for the Haridaspur-Paradip line (74 km) has been surveyed, and a Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared.
  
  

These initiatives aim to increase the port's freight handling capacity and reduce turnaround time for cargo movement.

New Line Connectivity for Dhamra Port
For Dhamra Port, another major hub in Odisha, a new railway line is being planned. Survey work has commenced for a 96 km rail line that will connect Jajpur Keonjhar Road to the port via Jajpur and Aradi. This new corridor is expected to create a direct and efficient freight route, supporting the movement of bulk cargo from inland industrial areas to the port.

Improved Access to Haldia Port
In West Bengal, Haldia Port under the Kolkata Port Trust will also benefit from enhanced connectivity. The Ministry of Railways has sanctioned a survey for a third and fourth line between Tamluk and Panskura. This development will boost port rail capacity and facilitate smoother movement of goods to and from eastern India’s industrial belt.

Planning Driven by Comprehensive Evaluation
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, in a statement to the Rajya Sabha, noted that all three ports are already part of the Indian Railways network. However, these new enhancements are aimed at addressing future demands and increasing efficiency. The approval process for these projects considers commercial viability, traffic projections, operational needs, state government inputs, and socio-economic benefits. All proposals are subject to fund availability and ongoing project obligations.

Conclusion
These rail connectivity upgrades are part of India’s larger strategy to improve port infrastructure and logistics. By strengthening the link between inland production zones and coastal ports, the government is paving the way for faster, more efficient, and more sustainable freight movement in eastern India. These steps are expected to not only enhance regional trade but also contribute to the country’s larger goals of economic growth and global competitiveness.