Indian Railways has approved an ₹8,710 crore infrastructure package for projects in Rajasthan, Kerala, and West Bengal to modernise maintenance facilities and expand capacity. The package includes upgrades to coach and engine maintenance with new washing lines, stabling lines, pit lines, and a wheel lathe line to support modern rolling stock, including LHB coaches and Vande Bharat trains, increasing maintenance capacity by six rakes per day. The investments aim to reduce turnaround times and improve reliability at key depots.
Phase II expansion at Lalgarh in the Bikaner region, costing ₹140 crore, will feature a 600-metre washing line, a covered shed over four washing lines, a 120×16m sick line extension, a 1,000 sqm service building, two automatic coach washing plants, two synchronized lifting systems, and two 25-tonne EOT cranes. This will improve maintenance throughput and readiness for additional Vande Bharat sets and advanced LHB coaches.
In Kerala, a ₹451 crore project will double the 21.10 km Turavur–Mararikulam section on the Ernakulam–Alappuzha–Kayankulam corridor. The addition of a second track will allow nine extra passenger trains per day in each direction, boost freight throughput by 2.88 million tonnes annually, reduce freight train delays by 17–19 minutes, and save 12–15 minutes on passenger services. The upgrade will ease congestion and strengthen connectivity to Cochin Port.
A ₹107 crore 4.75 km Kalipahari bypass near Asansol will eliminate engine reversals at Asansol yard, saving about 90 minutes for nine freight trains and 30 minutes for eight coaching trains daily, reducing congestion on one of eastern India’s busiest corridors.
Together, these targeted investments form a strategic push by Indian Railways to modernise infrastructure, speed up passenger services, improve freight efficiency, and support economic growth.
