Dikhyaa Mohanty 
As part of four significant multi-tracking projects spanning six states, the Union Cabinet has approved the Dangoaposi–Jaroli 3rd and 4th line railway project, providing Odisha with a significant infrastructural boost. The project would improve logistics and stimulate economic activity in the mineral-rich region by increasing rail connections and freight capacity in Odisha and Jharkhand. These projects, which extend 574 km and span 13 districts in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, and Jharkhand, were authorized by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, which is chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The projects are anticipated to cost ₹11,169 crore. Every project is expected to be finished by 2028 or 2029.
Because it is located on a vital corridor for the transportation of minerals, coal, cement, clinker, fly ash, and petroleum products, the Dangoaposi–Jaroli multi-tracking route is very important for Odisha. It is anticipated that the increased capacity would result in a notable increase in freight volume, which is a component of the estimated 95.91 million tons per annum (MTPA) increase across all four projects. The multi-tracking initiatives are in line with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan in addition to reducing traffic and enhancing Indian Railways’ service dependability. They are intended to increase logistical efficiency, facilitate the smooth flow of people and commodities, and strengthen multimodal connection.
Together, these projects would provide about 2.29 crore human-days of employment during construction and link around 2,309 villages with a combined population of 43.6 lakh. Saving 16 crore liters of imported oil and cutting 515 crore kilos of CO₂ emissions—the equivalent of growing 20 crore trees—are two examples of the environmental advantages. These projects have been approved: Aluabari Road–New Jalpaiguri (3rd and 4th Line) – Bihar & West Bengal; Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar)–Parbhani (Doubling) – Maharashtra; Itarsi–Nagpur (4th Line) – Madhya Pradesh & Maharashtra; and Dangoaposi–Jaroli (3rd and 4th Line) – Odisha & Jharkhand. The Center’s emphasis on creating an independent (“Atmanirbhar”) India through extensive connectivity and infrastructure that creates jobs is reflected in these train extensions.
