Odisha CM Meets Union Railway Minister, Seeks Enhanced Rail Infra
In a strategic move to accelerate infrastructure development, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi met Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in New Delhi on Monday, seeking greater central support to expand and modernize the state’s railway network. The meeting underscored Odisha’s push to strengthen its transport backbone, with a sharp focus on economic inclusivity, regional development, and industrial growth.
Odisha’s Growing Need for Rail Connectivity
During the meeting, CM Majhi highlighted the pressing need for improved railway infrastructure across Odisha—especially in underdeveloped, tribal, and interior regions. Enhanced connectivity, he emphasized, is critical to driving economic integration, improving access to healthcare and education, and boosting tourism and trade in the state.
Currently, Odisha has over 2,700 km of railway lines, yet large swathes of the state—particularly the KBK region (Kalahandi, Bolangir, Koraput) and parts of Sundargarh, Kandhamal, and Malkangiri—remain poorly connected or entirely unserved. This has hindered inclusive development and slowed down cargo movement from key mineral and forest resource belts.
Focus Areas of Discussion: Projects, Ports, and Passengers
CM Majhi and Minister Vaishnaw discussed several critical areas of intervention:
· Fast-tracking pending projects: Including the Khurda-Bolangir, Talcher-Bimalagarh, and Jeypore-Nabarangpur lines that have faced delays due to land acquisition and funding issues.
· Doubling and Electrification: The CM called for speeding up railway doubling and electrification projects, especially on high-freight corridors.
· Station Modernization: Proposals to upgrade key stations like Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Rourkela, and Jharsuguda were presented to improve passenger experience.
· New Trains & Amenities: Demand for additional passenger trains on high-demand routes (e.g., Bhubaneswar-Hyderabad, Puri-Ahmedabad) and better facilities at smaller stations were tabled.
· Industrial & Port Connectivity: Emphasis was laid on linking major ports such as Paradeep and Dhamra, and upcoming industrial clusters in Kalinga Nagar and Angul with efficient freight rail lines to support the state’s manufacturing and mineral exports.
Centre’s Positive Response
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who hails from Odisha, assured complete support from the Ministry of Railways. He reaffirmed Odisha’s strategic importance in India’s eastern freight corridor and backed CM Majhi’s proposals for faster project approvals and coordinated execution.
He noted that several projects in Odisha have already been prioritized under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, and further steps will be taken to ensure timely delivery and funding.
Bridging the Gaps, Driving Growth
The meeting marked a significant step in Odisha’s roadmap to becoming an integrated, connected, and industrially advanced state. A modern rail network will not only enhance economic productivity but also serve as a lifeline for the underserved regions, enabling Odisha to unlock its full socio-economic potential.
As Odisha aspires to become an eastern gateway for India’s economic rise, rail connectivity remains a critical enabler. With strong Centre-State collaboration and timely project execution, Odisha is well on track to transforming its transportation landscape and creating inclusive, sustained growth across its regions.
(With agency inputs)
