Bhubaneswar: The Ministry of Railways has sanctioned Rs 509 crore for the construction of two railway flyovers in Odisha’s Cuttack and Rayagada districts. This strategic initiative is a key part of the Energy, Mineral & Cement Corridor scheme, designed to improve the movement of trains and eliminate operational delays across crucial rail corridors in the state.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, during his recent visit to Odisha, highlighted the significance of these projects, which are expected to bring about a substantial reduction in traffic congestion at some of the state’s busiest railway junctions. The flyovers will not only enhance operational efficiency but also ensure smoother and faster train services.
The first project, located in Cuttack district, involves the construction of a 10.89-km flyover connecting Rajathgarh, Radhakishorepur, and Machhapur railway stations. This infrastructure, estimated to cost Rs 268.92 crore, aims to facilitate the seamless movement of trains by reducing the delays caused by cross-traffic at these stations. Once completed, the flyover will allow trains from different directions to pass through the station without waiting for clearance, boosting operational capacity.
In Rayagada district, a 5.5-km railway flyover will be built at Singapur Road station, addressing congestion on the busy Raipur-Vizianagaram rail line. With an estimated cost of Rs 239.83 crore, this flyover will eliminate delays caused by cross-traffic, ensuring uninterrupted train movements at the station. The project will significantly improve the flow of both passenger and freight trains in the region.
These projects are expected to ease congestion in critical corridors, including Nergundi-Cuttack-Barang-Rajathgarh and Rayagada-Singapur Road. Currently, traffic bottlenecks at junctions like Singapur Road and Rajathgarh cause significant delays, as trains often have to wait for clearance from other trains moving in the opposite direction. The new flyovers will create dedicated tracks for trains, allowing them to move efficiently and without delay.
The flyover construction is set to improve overall rail service quality, reducing travel times and enhancing operational efficiency for both passengers and freight. With these infrastructural upgrades, Indian Railways aims to meet growing demand and ensure smooth connectivity across Odisha’s railway network, further strengthening its role in national logistics.