Indian Railways has approved a Rs 8.71 billion (bn) infrastructure package across Rajasthan, Kerala and West Bengal to modernise coaching maintenance and increase corridor capacity. The sanction covers depot augmentations, doubling of key sections and bypass construction to reduce operational constraints and improve connectivity. The investments are intended to support next generation trains and strengthen regional freight and passenger services.

The largest component upgrades a maintenance facility with two 600-metre washing lines, three 650-metre stabling lines, two pit lines, a wheel lathe line and a 650-metre engine escape line, along with a 120 metre by 24 metre sick line shed. Works will install an automatic coach washing plant and modern machinery including synchronised jacks, forklifts and 25-tonne EOT cranes to handle LHB and Vande Bharat rolling stock. The augmented depot is expected to increase maintenance throughput by six additional rakes per day.

Phase II augmentation at Lalgarh has been sanctioned at Rs 1.40 bn and includes a 600-metre washing line, covered shed over four washing lines, a 120 metre by 16 metre sick line extension and a 1,000 square metre service building with automatic coach washing plants and synchronised lifting systems. Southern Railway will double the 21.10 km Turavur–Mararikulam section at Rs 4.51 bn to allow nine additional passenger trains per day and to raise freight capacity by 2.88 million (mn) tonnes (t) per annum. The doubling is expected to cut freight detention by between 17 and 19 minutes and save passenger running time of between 12 and 15 minutes. Eastern Railway will build a 4.75 km Kalipahari bypass at Rs 1.07 bn to remove engine reversal at Asansol yard and save roughly 90 minutes for nine freight workings and about 30 minutes for eight coaching workings daily.

Collectively the measures aim to reduce congestion, improve turnaround times and modernise the maintenance ecosystem across high density corridors. The package reflects a strategic focus on faster passenger services, enhanced freight efficiency and safer operations to support economic growth. Implementation schedules will determine when the benefits materialise for regional networks.