Indian Railways has approved ₹895.30 crore in infrastructure projects to augment Kolkata Metro’s North–South Corridor power systems and modernise critical bridges in the Adra Division under South East Central Railway, aiming to boost capacity, safety, and freight‑corridor resilience.
₹671.72 Crore for Kolkata Metro Power Augmentation
The bulk of ₹671.72 crore will upgrade the Kolkata Metro’s North–South Corridor, India’s oldest metro system, to reduce train headway from 5 minutes to 2.5 minutes, doubling line capacity to meet rising passenger demand. The project includes traction‑substation upgrades, power‑grid reinforcement, and ageing‑infrastructure repairs, ensuring reliable supply and 24/7 operation for the busy corridor.
₹223.58 Crore Damodar Bridge Reconstruction
Complementing the metro, ₹223.58 crore funds the Damodar Bridge (No. 520) reconstruction in Jharkhand–West Bengal’s Adra Division, a key freight‑corridor section for coal, steel, and cement logistics. The scope includes substructure overhaul, track‑yard remodelling, and approach‑track upgrades, reducing bottlenecks and enhancing safety for high‑density coal‑trains.
Boost to Economic Growth and Safety
These projects, cleared by the Union Government, prioritise smart metro‑capacity expansion and robust freight‑corridors to support regional growth in the Durgapur–Asansol industrial belt.
