New Delhi/Bhubaneswar, Sep 9: In a move aimed at accelerating railway infrastructure development in Odisha, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and several Members of Parliament from Odisha held a high-level meeting in New Delhi today.
The discussion focused on strengthening the state’s rail network, improving passenger and freight connectivity, and boosting socio-economic and industrial development in Odisha.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized the critical role of railways in connecting agricultural produce, minerals, and industrial goods from Odisha to markets across India.
“Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Purvodaya, Odisha has been prioritized for robust railway development. The double-engine government has significantly enhanced Odisha’s share in the railway budget compared to previous regimes,” Pradhan stated.
Pradhan pointed out that during the Congress-led government, Odisha received around ₹1,000 crore annually for railway projects. In contrast, under the Modi government over the past 11 years, the state has witnessed a record increase in railway budget allocations.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed that projects worth ₹90,000 crore are currently being implemented across Odisha. These include new rail lines, track doubling, and the construction of third and fourth lines on critical routes.
Key projects under review
The meeting also reviewed progress on several major projects and discussed ways to fast-track their implementation. Key projects include:
Land acquisition challenges and other bottlenecks were discussed with a focus on resolving them to expedite these projects.
Future connectivity plans
The proposed Talcher–Gopalpur rail line was highlighted as a game-changer, aiming to connect Angul, Dhenkanal, Cuttack, Nayagarh, and Aska (in Ganjam district), thereby strengthening Odisha’s east-west rail connectivity.
A connecting line from Boinda in Angul to Baudh was also proposed, which would link the Bolangir–Khordha line, acting as a strategic rail corridor.
Plans to extend the railway network to Phulbani in Kandhamal district were also discussed to ensure inclusive connectivity across the state.
In southern Odisha, it was noted that regions like Bhanjanagar and Aska remain unconnected by rail. Officials emphasized the need to address this gap through the expansion of proposed rail corridors.
Pradhan further stated that priority is being given to improving railway infrastructure in coal-producing areas of Odisha. The development of dedicated freight corridors from mining belts to port areas will not only improve cargo transport efficiency but also fuel Odisha’s rapid industrial growth.
