NEW DELHI. The Ministry of Railways has approved the 42-kilometer Champa-Korba Third Line Project under South East Central Railway (SECR) at an estimated cost of ₹755 crore, excluding the already sanctioned Madwarani-Saragbundia section. Identified under Indian Railways’ Mission 3000 MT and High-Density Network Corridor initiatives, this project aims to strengthen freight movement and support India’s growing energy requirements by connecting the vital coalfields of SECL and MCL to the national rail network and the Mumbai-Howrah High Density Corridor.
With regional coal production projected to rise from 247 MTPA to nearly 450 MTPA, this infrastructure upgrade will significantly enhance carrying capacity, add 5.95 MTPA of freight movement, and allow the daily operation of two additional passenger trains in each direction. Furthermore, the third line will improve operational flexibility and eliminate current freight train delays, saving an estimated ₹1.30 crore annually.
