The third line between Bina and Katni has been completed, adding a 259.91 kilometre track on the Bandakpur-Ghatera section. The project was delivered at a cost of Rs 40 billion (40 bn) and will enhance freight movement along one of the country’s busiest coal corridors. Work on the line involved track laying, signalling upgrades and structural works to accommodate higher axle loads and longer freight formations. Completion will reduce bottlenecks, shorten waits for line clearance and improve the overall reliability of train operations on the corridor.

The scheme included construction of 311 minor bridges, 12 major bridges and 26 significant bridges across the section and directly benefits 32 stations. The infrastructure upgrades have increased line capacity and permitted higher permissible speeds for freight services while enabling heavier rakes to operate. Track geometry improvements, additional loops and upgraded signalling will enable more efficient scheduling and reduce dwell time for goods trains. These changes are designed to support a sustained rise in freight throughput on the route.

The Bina-Katni corridor serves as a principal conduit for coal movement to multiple thermal power plants and the new line is expected to support a marked increase in the speed and frequency of freight trains. Enhanced capacity will reduce congestion and shorten transit times, thereby improving the timeliness of coal deliveries and helping to stabilise power generation schedules. The augmentation of carrying capacity is anticipated to ease operational pressures during peak demand periods and to improve line clearance performance across adjacent sections.

From a network perspective, the upgraded section strengthens connectivity at the critical junctions of Bina and Katni and improves route resilience. Reduced delays and improved throughput are likely to have positive knock-on effects across adjoining freight corridors and terminals. The investment therefore not only addresses local transport bottlenecks but also contributes to broader objectives of railway efficiency and energy supply security for the region.