Vaishnaw, Majhi review ongoing railway projects in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today reviewed the ongoing railway projects in Odisha, which collectively amount to ₹73,000 crore.
Vaishnaw announced that more major initiatives related to these projects will be revealed at the upcoming Utkarsh Odisha Meet.
He said Odisha is on its way to becoming an important center for IT industries. There are promising opportunities being explored for the youth of Odisha in areas such as semiconductors, electronics, IT, IoT, and machine learning.
A campus of NILET University is being set up in the state, and steps are being taken to ensure its success. Once the necessary land is available, we hope to establish a world-class university, the Minister said.
In addition, efforts will continue to encourage the growth of IT industries in Odisha. The Chief Minister has been kindly approached to consider allocating suitable lands near Bhubaneswar to support the development of these key projects.
Connectivity improvements, especially for tourism, are also a key priority.
Vaishnaw announced plans to introduce enhanced train services, including a special train for the Mahakumbh, in addition to several other facilities aimed at boosting tourism in the state.
In line with the Prime Minister’s vision for a sustainable and self-sufficient energy future, Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized the importance of transitioning Indian Railways to renewable energy sources.
Highlighting the railway’s role in conserving energy and promoting efficiency in transportation, the Minister shared the railway’s plans to innovate within the renewable energy sector.
He noted that Indian Railways is committed to being a key player in India’s energy self-sufficiency by implementing energy-saving measures and investing in renewable energy solutions.
The vision of the Prime Minister was discussed in great detail with the Chief Minister of Odisha in front of the Pravasi Bharatiya dignitaries, showcasing the government’s dedication to the state’s holistic development.
India is at the forefront of addressing climate change through its transition to renewable energy, with significant efforts by IREDA in leveraging technology for energy storage and sustainability. By sourcing 90% of energy from renewables, including solar energy, biofuels, and green hydrogen, India is advancing smart metering, smart grids, and net metering to optimize energy use.
Odisha, with its potential in green hydrogen, solar component manufacturing, and e-mobility, exemplifies India’s commitment to innovation and technology transfer. Additionally, the country is addressing agriculture’s environmental impact, particularly methane emissions from rice cultivation, and promoting carbon sequestration and biofuels like algae-based biofuels. India’s role as a renewable energy leader extends across South East Asia and Africa, with scalable solutions in solar energy, microgrids, and smart grids.
The nation’s talented workforce, coupled with strategic global collaborations and investments, ensures India’s leadership in the renewable energy sector, supporting sustainable development goals and offering solutions for global climate challenges.