Odisha Greenlights Eight New Railway Projects : Economic Affairs Committee Approves Major Infrastructure Initiative

Odisha's CCEA approves eight new railway projects with ₹24,657 crore investment, enhancing connectivity and boosting regional development.

Bhubaneswar, Odisha : In a significant boost for Odisha's infrastructure, the Economic Affairs Committee (CCEA) has sanctioned eight new railway line projects, including four that will enhance connectivity in the southern and western regions of the state. The total estimated expenditure for these ambitious projects is ₹24,657 crore.

Key Projects and Expenditures

The approved projects encompass the development of eight new railway lines, with a focus on improving connectivity in both economically crucial and underserved areas. The southern and western regions of Odisha will see the following additions:

• A 73-kilometer rail line from Gunupur to Therubali.
• A 116-kilometer rail line from Junagadh to Nabarangpur.
• A 173-kilometer rail line from Malkangiri to Pandurangpur.
• An 82-kilometer rail line from Badamapahad to Kendujhar.
• An 85.60-kilometer rail line from Bangiriposi to Goramahisani.

Strategic and Economic Impact

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that these projects are strategically significant for aspirational districts and tribal areas. "These new railway lines will be instrumental in fostering regional development and providing substantial benefits in terms of tourism, employment, mineral security, and energy security," Vaishnaw said.

The new railway lines are set to connect western Odisha, southern Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, completing a crucial corridor that will facilitate improved regional integration. This development is expected to bolster local economies by creating approximately 3 crore direct jobs during the construction phase.

Expansion of the Indian Rail Network

The projects will expand the Indian Rail Network by 900 kilometers, spanning across 14 districts in Odisha, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Telangana, and West Bengal. The initiative includes the construction of 64 new stations, significantly enhancing connectivity for six aspirational districts, 510 villages, and around 4 million residents.

Completion Timeline

The new railway lines are projected to be completed between 2030 and 2031. The expansion aligns with Prime Minister Modi's "New India" vision, promoting extensive regional development and reinforcing the country's commitment to building a self-reliant India.

This infrastructure initiative marks a pivotal moment in Odisha's growth, promising to transform the region's connectivity and economic landscape in the coming decades.