Indian Railways to add connectivity to 27 more Ports, plans to invest US$13 billion

With an aim to connect 27 more ports to rail for faster cargo transportation, Indian Railways is planning to add approximately 3,000 km of train lines. The project is likely to cost around US$13 billion. At present, 29 ports, including 12 major ones, are connected to a rail network for facilitating smoother and cost-effective cargo transportation. All the 12 major ports that have rail links are Chidambaram, Chennai, Kolkata/Haldia, Cochin, Paradip, Kamrajar, Visakhapatnam, Mormugao, Mumbai, New Mangalore, JNPT and Deen Dayal Port Kandla. “The central government has been putting ample importance on the expansion of rail coverage across the country and covering all ports and terminals. Indian Railway carried 1.418 billion tonnes of cargo in 2020-21, reflecting a growth of 15 per cent,” read a media release.