Railways Approves Rs 755 Crore Champa–Korba Third Line Project

New Delhi, Jun 17 (KNN) Indian Railways has approved the 42-km Champa–Korba third line project of the South East Central Railway (SECR) at an estimated cost of Rs 755 crore.

The proposed project is aimed at strengthening freight movement on one of the country's key coal transportation corridors.

The project involves construction of a third railway line between Champa and Korba, excluding the previously sanctioned Madwarani–Saragbundia section. 

It has been taken up under Indian Railways' Mission 3000 MT and High-Density Network (HDN) Corridor programmes aimed at expanding freight-carrying capacity.

The Champa–Korba section is a vital rail link connecting coal mines operated by South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) and Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) with the national rail network and the Mumbai–Howrah High Density Corridor. 

Korba is a major coal-producing and power-generation hub, housing several thermal power plants.

Currently, the route handles around 10 pairs of passenger trains and 55 pairs of freight trains daily. Coal production from SECL and MCL is projected to increase from about 247 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to nearly 450 MTPA, creating substantial additional freight demand.

According to Indian Railways, the third line will improve operational flexibility, enhance carrying capacity and support faster movement of freight and passenger trains. 

The project is expected to enable the operation of two additional passenger trains in each direction daily and facilitate additional freight movement of 5.95 MTPA.

The project is also expected to generate annual net earnings of around Rs 85 crore, including approximately 82 crore from freight operations and Rs 3 crore from passenger services.

In addition, the new line is expected to reduce freight train detention on the section, resulting in operational savings estimated at Rs 1.3 crore annually.

The approval forms part of Indian Railways' broader efforts to expand network capacity, improve freight efficiency and support growing energy and infrastructure requirements.

(KNN Bureau)