Odisha Rail Projects: In a landmark occasion to enhance rail infrastructure and regional connectivity in Odisha, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today laid the foundation stone, inaugurated and dedicated to the Nation several vital railway projects worth over ₹2,750 crores during a special programme held at Bhubaneswar. Apart from this, he also flagged off new trains from Boudh and Purunakatak through video conferencing from Bhubaneswar.
Major Railway Projects Inaugurated, Dedicated, and Laid Foundation
1. Foundation Stone Laid:
3rd & 4th Rail Line between Sarla – Sason (16 KM)
Cost: ₹252 Crores. This project aims to decongest the busy Jharsuguda-Sambalpur Rail section and foster industrial development in the region.
2. Inauguration:
- New Railway Line between Sonepur – Purunakatak (73 KM)
- Part of the Khurda Road – Balangir Rail Project (301 KM)
Cost: ₹1376 Crores. With this, the Boudh District Headquarters is connected to the national railway network for the first time, fulfilling a long-standing aspiration of the people.
3. Dedicated to the Nation:
- Freight Train Maintenance Facility with Routine Overhauling of Wagons at Sarla (₹165 Cr)
- Subway in Bamra–Dharuadihi section (₹10 Cr)
- Link C–Dumetra section (5 KM) of Bondamunda–Ranchi Doubling (₹98 Cr)
- Road Over Bridge (ROB) at Jaleswar (₹89 Cr)
- 4th Rail Line between Jharsuguda – Jamga (53 KM) (Part of the 206 KM Jharsuguda–Bilaspur Project)
These projects significantly enhance operational capacity, logistics efficiency, and safety, while also facilitating smoother passenger and freight movement.
Launch of New Train Services
The Prime Minister also flagged off new train services, heralding a new era of rail connectivity for Boudh District in Western and Central Odisha:
• 18313/18314 Boudh – Bhubaneswar New – Boudh Weekly Express
• 18311/18312 Sambalpur – Boudh – Sambalpur Weekly Express
Transformative Benefits for Odisha
These projects and new train services represent a major step in realizing the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat – Viksit Odisha’. This visit of the Hon’ble Prime Minister coincides with the completion of 11 years of Service, Good Governance and Garib Kalyan, and marks a year of progress under the current Odisha Government.
Key benefits include:
- Economic Development: Enhanced freight movement and improved logistics will stimulate industrial and SME growth in the region.
- Agriculture & Rural Prosperity: Farmers in Boudh and adjoining districts gain access to bigger markets, better prices, and essential agri-resources.
- Healthcare Access: Direct rail links to major hubs like Bhubaneswar and Sambalpur will ease access to advanced medical care.
- Education Opportunities: Easier connectivity will help students from remote regions reach reputed institutions across the state.
- Social & Cultural Integration: Improved mobility will promote cultural exchange, community participation, and regional harmony.
The launch and dedication of these mega rail projects not only mark the strengthening of Odisha’s railway infrastructure but also symbolize the Centre’s strong commitment to inclusive growth, regional development, and a better-connected India. This day marks a historic milestone for the people of Odisha as long-pending dreams are finally turning into reality.
