Bhubaneswar: Odisha has received the highest-ever outlay of Rs 10,012 crore for railways in the budget allocation for 2023-24. While the State had demanded Rs 8,400 crore for railway infrastructure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has allocated Rs 10,012 crore, which Rs 1,612 crore more than the funds sought, Union Railway Minister Aswini Vaishnaw said.
Addressing a presser over video conference from Delhi, Vaishnaw said that 280 kms of railway tracks will be laid in Odisha and 57 railway stations will be modernised during the aforementioned period. The
Lingaraj Road Station will be developed to be used as a transit point for tourists who would arrive at Bhubaneswar Airport for going to Puri, the Union Minister said.
“We have chalked out plans to run battery-operated or hydrogen powered vehicles from Bhubaneswar Airport to Lingaraj Road station, for the tourists proceeding towards Puri, he said, adding that the PM, under ‘Purvodaya’ (development of the east), has laid focus on Odisha.
The Minister added, “The allocation for railways in Odisha for the period 2022-23 was around Rs 9,900 crore and the State witnessed impressive growth in infrastrucutre and amenities sectors. This year’s allocation for railways in Odisha is a record.”
