Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated and dedicated to the nation a series of railway projects worth more than ₹1,700 crore, marking a major push to improve connectivity, passenger convenience, and freight efficiency in Odisha.
Laying the foundation stone of a rail flyover between Sambalpur City and Sarla costing ₹273 crore, the Prime Minister said the project would help decongest Sarla station and ensure smooth movement of trains along the busy Sambalpur–Jharsuguda line. This corridor, vital for coal, mineral, and industrial freight, will directly benefit people in Sambalpur and adjoining districts.
The Prime Minister also dedicated two major doubling projects to the nation. The 34-km Koraput–Baiguda rail line doubling project worth ₹481 crore will streamline operations, facilitate faster transport of minerals and agricultural produce, and aid industrial growth in the mineral-rich Koraput region. Similarly, the 82-km Manabar–Koraput–Gorapur rail line doubling project, built at a cost of ₹955 crore, is expected to accelerate the transport of iron ore from Bailadilla mines to steel plants across the country while boosting passenger and freight services in Odisha’s Koraput district and neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.
Adding to the day’s highlights, the Prime Minister also flagged off the Amrit Bharat Express between Brahmapur and Udhna (Surat) via video link from Jharsuguda. Designed as a new generation of affordable and comfortable trains, the Amrit Bharat Express offers modern features such as enhanced safety systems, stronger coach design, LED lighting, improved interiors, bio-toilets, and better ventilation. With economical fares, it aims to make modern train travel accessible to all sections of society.
By directly connecting Odisha with Gujarat and serving districts across Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra, the Amrit Bharat Express is expected to strengthen economic and cultural ties across eastern, central, and western India.
Together, these projects represent a transformative step in Odisha’s rail infrastructure. They will help reduce travel time, improve safety and punctuality, support industrial expansion, and generate new employment opportunities for farmers, traders, youth, and workers.
Reaffirming his government’s commitment to inclusive development, the Prime Minister said these projects embody the vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas”, ensuring that the benefits of modern infrastructure and growth reach every corner of Odisha.
