The Centre has allocated a record Rs 10,586 crore for the development of railway infrastructure in Odisha as part of the Union Budget, announced Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday. This substantial funding marks a significant increase compared to previous years.
Government’s Commitment
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for their support. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi is keen on advancing rail infrastructure in Odisha. He personally reviews the progress of various ongoing projects in the State. This record allocation reflects the Centre’s commitment to accelerating development in Odisha,” Vaishnaw stated.
Comparative Analysis
Under the UPA government, Odisha received Rs 838 crore for railway infrastructure. The current BJP-led government has increased this allocation by 12 times, emphasizing its dedication to the region’s development.
Track and Electrification Progress
From 2009 to 2014, an average of 53 kilometers of new tracks were laid annually. This figure has now tripled to 183 kilometers per year from 2014 to 2024. Additionally, the electrification of railway lines has increased fivefold, from 29 kilometers per year during 2009-2014 to 146 kilometers per year between 2014 and 2024.
Ongoing Projects and Investments
The minister highlighted that Rs 54,434 crore will be invested in 40 ongoing projects in Odisha. These projects will bring about a massive transformation in the state’s railway infrastructure during PM Modi’s third term. Since 2014, 427 flyovers and underpasses have been constructed to enhance safety and reduce congestion.
Station Redevelopment and Electrification
Odisha has achieved 100% electrification of its railway network. As part of the Amrit Bharat Station initiative, 59 railway stations, including Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, will be redeveloped. This initiative aims to modernize and upgrade facilities, providing passengers with an improved travel experience. The stations to be redeveloped include Angul, Badampahar, Balangir, Baleshwar, Balugaon, Barbil, Bargarh Road, Baripada, Barpali, Belpahar, Betnoti, Bhadrak, Bhawanipatna, Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneswar New, Bimlagarh, Brahmapur, Brajrajnagar, Chatrapur, Cuttack, Damanjodi, Dhenkanal, Gunupur, Harishanker Road, Himgir, Hirakud, Jajpur Keonjhar Road, Jaleswar, Jaroli, Jeypore, Jharsuguda Jn, Jharsuguda Road, Kantabanji, Kendujhargarh, Kesinga, Khariar Road, Khurda Road Jn, Koraput Jn, Lingaraj Temple Road, Mancheswar, Meramandali, Muniguda, Panposh, Paradeep, Parlakhemundi, Puri, Raghunathpur, Rairakhol, Rairangpur, Rajgangpur, Rayagada, Rourkela, Sakhi Gopal, Sambalpur, Sambalpur City, Soro, Talcher, Talcher Road, and Titlagarh Jn.
The comprehensive development plan underscores Indian Railways’ commitment to transforming Odisha’s railway infrastructure. The initiatives aim to ensure better connectivity and provide a superior travel experience for passengers, highlighting the Centre’s focus on enhancing transportation infrastructure in the region.
(With inputs from agencies)
