According to the
Ministry of Railways, the Adra-Joychandipahar-Sanka bypass will provide
dedicated path segregation and a bi-directional connection to the upcoming
third line. The project is expected to facilitate projected movement of 6.065
freight rakes per day and accommodate the anticipated growth in industrial
traffic. The bypass will particularly
support freight requirements linked to SAIL’s 23.40 MTPA iron ore demand and
BCCL’s projection of 45 rakes per day. It is expected to eliminate operational
bottlenecks and reduce detention caused by surface-crossing conflicts on the
Adra-Joychandipahar section. With the
existing network operating at around 71% utilisation, freight speeds have been
affected by conflicts at surface crossings. The new bypass is expected to
improve operational efficiency and create additional capacity, enabling 8.88
MTPA of additional traffic upon completion. The current line capacity of the
Joychandipahar-Adra section stands at 47.50% and is projected to rise to 56.45%
by 2028-29, according to the Ministry.
The project forms part of the Energy, Mineral and
Cement Corridor identified by Indian Railways. By creating additional capacity
and enabling smoother freight flows, the bypass is expected to strengthen the
movement of industrial commodities and support future growth in freight
traffic.
The project will
also help reduce congestion, minimise surface-crossing conflicts and improve
the reliability of freight operations, strengthening the Adra-Joychandipahar
corridor as a key industrial freight route.