Ministry of Railways Sanctions Key Infrastructure Projects for Odisha’s Growth

Bhubaneswar: The Ministry of Railways has approved a series of crucial railway infrastructure projects for Odisha, marking a significant step in the state’s economic development. The approved initiatives include the final location survey for the 250-kilometer-long new railway line connecting Gopalpur to Rayagada and the doubling of the Nuapada-Gunupur-Theruvali railway line. These projects are expected to enhance connectivity, reduce logistical costs, and stimulate growth, particularly in South Odisha.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for their continued support in advancing Odisha’s infrastructure. Majhi acknowledged the Prime Minister’s dedicated focus on the state’s progress, stating that with continued support, Odisha will achieve its developmental objectives.

The Chief Minister’s efforts to drive railway development were further underscored during his recent visit to Delhi, where he met with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The discussions during this meeting centered around several new railway projects, including the Gopalpur-Rayagada and Nuapada-Gunupur-Theruvali initiatives. Majhi also highlighted the importance of the Joda-Barbil and Joda-Barsuan railway lines, which will play a critical role in the development of an industrial corridor connecting Barbil, Joda, and Keonjhar, boosting both industrial and economic growth in the region.

Following the Chief Minister’s intervention, the prospects for these railway projects have become more promising, and Majhi has urged the Railway Minister to expedite other essential projects, particularly those in South Odisha. He emphasized the vital role railway connectivity will play in accelerating the state’s economic development and generating employment opportunities.

Railway Minister Vaishnaw assured that the central government is taking positive strides to support Odisha’s railway infrastructure. He reiterated Prime Minister Modi’s special focus on the state’s development, emphasizing that extensive railway infrastructure development is critical to transforming Odisha into an economic powerhouse over the next 25 years, as part of the “Amrit Kaal” vision.

Vaishnaw also informed that railway projects worth ₹73,000 crore are currently underway in Odisha, with 2,046 kilometers of new railway lines constructed since 2014, which is more than the entire railway network of Malaysia. Additionally, the state is set to benefit from eight new railway lines worth ₹20,000 crore and the development of 59 railway stations as part of the “Amrit Stations” project, with 16 stations in aspirational districts.

Highlighting the significance of railway projects in tribal-dominated regions, Vaishnaw stressed that the central government is committed to improving infrastructure in Odisha’s tribal and aspirational districts. He also mentioned that six Vande Bharat trains are operational in Odisha, with plans for further railway advancements in the coming years.