Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for allocating a record Rs 10,928 crore for the redevelopment of Odisha’s railway infrastructure in the Union Budget 2026–27.
Taking to social media platform X, Majhi described the move as a “farsighted initiative” by the Central Government that will significantly boost Odisha’s progress and strengthen the state’s vision of a “Prosperous Odisha.”
At present, the state is implementing multiple railway projects with a cumulative investment of nearly Rs 90,659 crore. Over the past 11 years, 2,200 km of new railway lines have been laid, marking a significant milestone in Odisha’s infrastructure development.
Highlighting the state’s improved connectivity, Majhi said the successful operation of six Vande Bharat Express and six Amrit Bharat Express trains has made travel faster, safer, and more convenient for passengers.
Commenting on new initiatives in the current budget, Majhi said the East-West Freight Corridor will usher in a new era for Odisha’s industrial and commercial sectors. He added that innovative measures for environmental and wildlife protection have also been implemented. AI-based thermal cameras and Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) technology have been installed along railway tracks to prevent elephant fatalities, setting a national benchmark for wildlife safety.
The Chief Minister assured that the Odisha government will provide full support and cooperation to the Central Government to ensure the holistic development of the state. “Through this combined effort, Odisha is poised to emerge as a progressive and prosperous state,” he added.
