Odisha’s railway network is set for rapid growth with major projects like Khurda-Balangir, Talcher-Bimalagarh, and Jharsuguda-Barakot lines
OdishaPlus Bureau
A significant meeting took place in New Delhi to deliberate on the necessary actions required to enhance the railway network in Odisha at an expedited pace.
Conversations were conducted among Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Railway Minister Ashwani Vaishnaw, and Members of Parliament from Odisha regarding the advancement of the railway sector in the state, as well as improving transportation routes for the populace.
Dharmendra informed journalists following the meeting that measures will soon be implemented to hasten progress on essential railway projects, particularly emphasizing the acceleration of land acquisition for 4–5 priority rail lines within the state.
He remarked that the railway sector plays a crucial role in the development of the industrial and mineral sectors, as well as in linking agricultural products to the national market. He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s special initiative has prioritized Odisha and bolstered the railway infrastructure.
Over the past 11 years, Odisha has received an unprecedented allocation in the railway budget under the Modi administration compared to the prior government. Railway Minister Vaishnaw stated that the Railway is executing new railway lines, doubling existing lines, and constructing third and fourth lines valued at approximately Rs 90,000 crore in Odisha.
In-depth discussions were conducted regarding the Jharsuguda-Barakot railway line, the new Angul-Talcher railway line, the Bargarh Road-Nuapada Road-Raipur railway line, the Talcher-Bimalagarh railway line, the highly anticipated Khurda-Balangir railway line, and the third and fourth lines of Sambalpur-Jarpada.
The necessity to expedite the land acquisition process to advance the work on the railway lines, along with other pertinent issues, was a focal point of the meeting.
The meeting also discussed the potential connection of a line from Boinda in Angul to the Balangir-Khurda line extending to Boudh, which will serve as a vital link. The subdivisions of Bhanjanagar and Aska in South Odisha currently lack railway access. The proposed Talcher-Gopalpur railway line, which will link the regions of Angul, Dhenkanal, Cuttack, Nayagarh, and Aska in Ganjam, aims to enhance the railway infrastructure of Odisha. Additionally, the government has plans to extend the railway network to Phulbani in Kandhamal, a topic that was addressed during the meeting.
The meeting highlighted that special emphasis is being placed on civic amenities and rail transport in Odisha’s coal-producing regions. These initiatives will ensure that railway lines connect coal-producing areas to port facilities, thereby facilitating the transportation of goods and promoting rapid industrialization in Odisha. By strengthening the railway infrastructure, the objective of a developed Odisha will be realized. Shri Pradhan expressed that Odisha is poised to advance in the social, economic, and tourism sectors.