Indian Railways has sanctioned a Rs8.71 billion (bn) infrastructure package covering projects in Rajasthan, Kerala and West Bengal to modernise maintenance facilities and expand capacity. The package will upgrade coach and engine maintenance with new washing lines, stabling lines, pit lines and a wheel lathe line to support modern rolling stock including Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches and Vande Bharat trains, increasing maintenance capacity by six additional rakes per day. The investments are intended to reduce turnaround times and improve reliability across key depots.

Phase II augmentation at Lalgarh in the Bikaner region will be executed at a cost of Rs1.40 bn and will include a 600-metre washing line, a covered shed over four washing lines and a sick line extension of 120m by 16m. The works also comprise a 1,000 square metre service building, two automatic coach washing plants, two synchronized coach lifting systems and two 25-tonne (t) EOT cranes. The expansion is expected to enhance preparedness for additional Vande Bharat sets and advanced LHB coaches while improving maintenance throughput.

A Rs4.51 bn doubling scheme will add a second track over the 21.10 km Turavur–Mararikulam section on the Ernakulam–Alappuzha–Kayankulam corridor. The capacity enhancement is expected to permit operation of nine additional passenger trains per day in each direction and to raise freight throughput by two point eight eight million (mn) tonnes (t) per annum while reducing freight train detention by 17–19 minutes and saving 12–15 minutes on passenger services. The project aims to ease congestion and strengthen connectivity to Cochin Port, supporting regional logistics.

A Rs1.07 bn Kalipahari bypass of 4.75 km near Asansol will eliminate engine reversal at Asansol yard, saving about 90 minutes for nine freight trains daily and about 30 minutes for eight coaching trains daily and reducing congestion on one of eastern India’s busiest corridors. Together these targeted investments are presented as a strategic push to modernise infrastructure for next generation trains, speed passenger services, boost freight efficiency and support economic growth.