34 new tracks worth Rs 56,694 Cr, 57 Amrit Stations under development in Jharkhand

Jamshedpur: Jharkhand is witnessing unprecedented growth in railway infrastructure with 34 new track projects covering 3,251 km underway at a cost of ₹56,694 crore. Additionally, 57 railway stations across the state are being transformed into Amrit stations at an estimated cost of ₹2,134 crore to improve passenger amenities and enhance travel experiences.

According to the latest data, Jharkhand’s railway budget allocation for 2025-26 stands at ₹7,306 crore, a massive jump from the annual average of ₹457 crore during 2009-14—an increase of nearly 16 times. Since 2014, 1,311 km of new tracks have been constructed, surpassing the entire rail network of the UAE, and 943 km of railway lines have been electrified, making Jharkhand 100% electrified.

In terms of track work, the average construction of new tracks has doubled from 57 km per year during 2009-14 to 119 km per year from 2014-25. The installation of the Kavach safety system is also progressing rapidly, with work in progress on 400 route kilometers out of the total sanctioned 1,693 km.

Passenger amenities have been significantly upgraded in recent years. Since 2014, 34 lifts and 14 escalators have been installed, and Wi-Fi connectivity has been provided at 215 stations. Jharkhand currently operates 12 Vande Bharat trains, covering 14 districts with 22 unique stoppages, offering faster and more comfortable travel options.

Among the 57 stations undergoing redevelopment as Amrit stations, key progress has been made at Ranchi, Hatia, and Tatanagar stations. Ranchi station’s south-side building and platform 6 are under construction, along with residential quarters and a new foot-over-bridge. Hatia station is seeing foundation work for the second entry on the west side. At Tatanagar, an EPC tender has been invited and is due for opening on April 9, 2025.

The ongoing modernization projects reflect the government’s commitment to transforming Jharkhand’s railway network, boosting regional connectivity, and providing world-class infrastructure to passengers.