Bhubaneswar: Indian Railways has approved Rs 122 crore for the 6-km Barbil-Bolanikhadan doubling project under South Eastern Railway, aimed at strengthening rail capacity on a key mineral transportation corridor in Odisha.

The project is expected to facilitate an additional 8.9 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of freight traffic after commissioning and help reduce delays in the movement of freight trains.

The Barbil-Bolanikhadan section has been identified as part of Indian Railways’ Energy, Mineral and Cement Corridor. The existing route is a single-line section and currently handles around 9 MTPA of traffic, including approximately six loaded rakes of originating iron ore traffic every day, a release by Ministry of Railways stated on Monday.

The freight movement on the section primarily comprises high-grade iron ore and pellets transported from SAIL’s Bolani mines and private sidings, including those of Rungta, Khatau and Narbheram, to major steel plants and ports.

Capacity boost for mineral corridor

The doubling of the 6-km stretch is expected to address future capacity requirements as mining, industrial and port activities in the region expand.

The project has been approved ahead of the full realisation of SAIL’s mine expansion as well as planned additions to port and plant capacities. The additional rail line is expected to help prevent capacity constraints on the designated mineral corridor.

The doubling work will strengthen connectivity for the movement of iron ore to steel plants and ports while supporting the increasing freight requirements of the region.

The project is also expected to improve the overall efficiency of freight movement on the Energy, Mineral and Cement Corridor and provide additional capacity for future industrial growth.