Indian Railways has approved a Rs 2.72 billion (Rs 2.72 bn) Adra-Joychandipahar bypass line in West Bengal to boost freight capacity and relieve congestion on the existing network. The project covers an 11-km stretch between the Adra end and Joychandipahar under South Eastern Railway and will provide a dedicated corridor for freight movement. The new alignment is designed as a bi-directional link that will integrate with the forthcoming third line.

The bypass is intended to separate freight traffic from passenger and local operations and to reduce delays caused by surface crossings on the current section. Indian Railways estimates the line will support six point zero six five freight rakes per day as industrial traffic expands. The route is planned to streamline operations and improve punctuality for heavy freight flows.

According to the Ministry of Railways, the project is expected to support Steel Authority of India Limited's projected iron ore requirement of 23.40 million tonnes per annum (23.40 mn t pa) and Bharat Coking Coal Limited's projection of 45 rakes per day. Planners indicate the bypass will create capacity for an additional eight point eight eight million tonnes per annum (8.88 mn t pa) of freight traffic. Line capacity on the Joychandipahar-Adra section is projected to rise from 47.50 per cent to 56.45 per cent by 2028-29.

Officials note the scheme will help address operational bottlenecks and make better use of the existing network while supporting mineral and industrial freight along the corridor. The connection to the third line in both directions is expected to segregate freight operations and ease corridor congestion as demand grows. Implementation details and timelines will follow as the project proceeds through planning and execution phases.