PM Modi dedicates railway infra projects in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: In a landmark event for the state of Odisha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today laid the foundation stone and dedicated multiple significant railway projects worth ₹2871 crores.

These railway infrastructure projects aim to enhance connectivity, ease traffic on busy rail routes, and contribute to the socio-economic development of the region.

With a strong focus on strengthening the railway network across Odisha’s industrial, resource-rich, and tribal-dominated areas, these projects are poised to boost the region’s growth and integration into the national economy.

The Prime Minister dedicated four critical railway sections from ongoing projects, further enhancing the rail network:

1. Lanjigarh Road-Ambadola-Doikallu Railway Section (25.394 KM), part of the Vizianagaram-Titilagarh 3rd Line Project, was dedicated at a cost of ₹432 Crores. This crucial section will enhance capacity on the busy Vizianagaram-Titilagarh route, improving connectivity between western Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. The project will benefit both passenger and freight traffic, facilitating smoother movement of goods.
2. Laxmipur Road-Singaram-Tikiri Railway Section (22.94 KM) of the Koraput-Singapur Road Doubling Project, constructed at ₹260 Crores, will boost train movement capacity in southern Odisha. This section is expected to significantly improve freight movement from resource-rich regions to key markets.
3. Dhenkanal-Sadashibapur-Hindol Road Railway Section (40.62 KM) of the Budhapank-Salegaon 3rd & 4th Line Project, worth ₹540 Crores, will augment capacity on the key industrial route, enhancing the speed and efficiency of goods transportation.
4. Bangurkela-Nowgaon Railway Section (12.5 KM) of the Bondamunda-Ranchi Doubling Project, at a cost of ₹239 Crores, will reduce congestion and improve connectivity between Odisha and Jharkhand.

Alongside these dedications, the Prime Minister also laid the foundation stones for four future projects that are critical to the development of Odisha’s rail infrastructure:

1. Siju-Paradeep Flyover (7 KM) will be constructed at a cost of ₹200 Crores to eliminate surface crossings, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted train movements at Paradeep Port, one of India’s major trade hubs.
2. Paradeep-Badabandha 3rd & 4th Line Expansion (18.51 KM), costing ₹300 Crores, will increase capacity for both freight and passenger trains, enhancing connectivity to Paradeep Port.
3. MCRL Inner Corridor Phase-1 Doubling (10.93 KM) at ₹152 Crores will facilitate smooth coal evacuation, further supporting industrial growth in the region.
4. Jeypore-Nabarangpur New Line (41.9 KM), a highly anticipated project, will be constructed at ₹748 Crores. This new railway line will connect the tribal regions of Jeypore and Nabarangpur, fostering economic growth, employment, and better access to markets and services. This aspirational project is expected to play a transformative role in uplifting the area.

These projects reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening Odisha’s rail network, reducing congestion, improving connectivity to industrial hubs, and enhancing capacity on key routes. The Indian Railways continues to play a pivotal role in promoting trade, industry, and tourism, further integrating Odisha into the nation’s rapid economic growth.

The event was graced by several distinguished dignitaries, including Governor of Odisha Raghubar Das, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Jual Oram, and Deputy Chief Ministers K V Singh Deo and Pravati Pardia.