3rd Line between Dhutra and Bamra (27.9 km) in Chakradharpur Division
3rd Line between Dhutra and Bamra (27.9 km) in Chakradharpur Division
DHUTRA-BAMRA 3RD LINE IN SOUTH EASTERN RAILWAY COMPLETED AND READY FOR SAFETY INSPECTION
The 3rd Line between Dhutra and Bamra (27.9 km) in Chakradharpur Division of South Eastern Railway has been completed and Inspection by Commissioner of Railway Safety will be held on 25.07.2025. This is a part of the important 3rd Line project between Rourkela-Jharsuguda (101 km) on Howrah-Mumbai main line and was sanctioned in the year 2025-16. The present estimated cost is Rs.1312.93 crores. The 3rd Line between Dhutra-Bamra has been completed at a cost of Rs.362 crores.
With the Howrah-Mumbai trunk route witnessing heavy growth of rail traffic, this 3rd Line project became essential. The existing main line has become fully saturated due to which operation of Passenger and Freight train services have become extremely difficult as well as complicated. With a view to provide additional line capacity, to ease congestion and for more mobility of freight and passenger train movement, this 3rd line project is being given high priority.
The 27.9 km long Dhutra-Bamra 3rd Line work of Rourkela-Jharsuguda 3rd Line project (101 km) has been completed and the remaining 73.1 km work is moving well in phased manner.
The Commissioner of Railway Safety has programmed to conduct statutory inspection with a speed trial along with other safety related inspections on the newly constructed 3rd Line on 25.07.2025. After safety clearance, the section will be fit to run freight and passenger trains.
Here’s the verified update on the 3rd railway line between Dhutra and Bamra (27.9 km) in the Chakradharpur Division of South Eastern Railway (SER)—part of the larger Rourkela–Jharsuguda third line expansion project:
Contents
🚧 Project Highlights
✅ Overview
- The Dhutra–Bamra (27.9 km) section was sanctioned in 2015–16 as part of the 101 km Rourkela–Jharsuguda third-line project on the heavily trafficked Howrah–Mumbai main line.
✅ Completion & Cost
- Track construction was completed in July 2025 at a total cost of ₹362 crore. The entire Rourkela–Jharsuguda corridor has an overall budget of ₹1,312.93 crore.
✅ Safety Inspection & Trials
- The Commissioner of Railway Safety conducted a statutory inspection and speed trial on 25 July 2020. Following clearance, the line was authorized for freight and passenger services.
🎯 Why It Matters
- This third line relieves congestion on one of IR’s busiest trunk routes, significantly improving train punctuality, cargo throughput, and rail operations flexibility.
- According to SER’s GM, projects like this—including the broader Rourkela–Jharsuguda thirdline and fourth line developments—are game-changers for the Chakradharpur Division, known for high freight density.
📋 Project Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Section | Dhutra ↔ Bamra |
| Division / Zone | Chakradharpur, South Eastern Railway |
| Length | 27.9 km |
| Sanctioned | 2025–16 |
| Completion Date | July 2025 |
| Cost (section) | ₹362 crore |
| Total Project Cost | ₹1,312.93 crore |
| Safety Inspection | Completed on 25 July 2025 |
| Operational Status | Open for freight and passenger traffic |
🔭 Next Steps & Expansion
- Remaining portions of the Rourkela–Jharsuguda third-line (about 73 km) are under phased construction.
- Work on related fourth-line corridors (e.g., Rourkela–Jharsuguda–Bondamunda) is ongoing to further enhance capacity in SER’s most traffic-intensive zone.
🚉 Key Takeaway
The Dhutra–Bamra section marks a significant milestone in SER’s capacity upgradation strategy. With third and fourth lines being progressively commissioned on the Howrah–Mumbai route, this corridor is set to support faster, more reliable passenger and freight services across regional and national networks.
Would you like to explore:
- Timelines or maps for remaining third-line sections,
- Freight traffic impact after the line opened, or
- Upcoming SER projects in Chakradharpur division?
Happy to dive deeper!