Bhubaneswar: East Coast Railway, in coordination with the Government of Odisha, has accelerated work on four major new railway line projects across southern and western Odisha, with a combined investment of over ₹6,879 crore and a total route length of 382 km, aimed at boosting connectivity in remote and tribal-dominated regions.
In a significant push to fast-track execution, Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between the two sides on April 16, 2026. The agreements establish a structured coordination mechanism to expedite land acquisition, secure timely clearances, and resolve field-level issues through joint monitoring. Officials said the MoUs are already improving speed, accountability, and inter-agency synergy.
Work is progressing in mission mode across land acquisition, forest clearances, tendering, and construction. The conferment of Special Railway Project status has emerged as a key enabler, helping prioritize administrative processes and accelerate statutory approvals.
Jeypore–Malkangiri New Line (126 km)
Sanctioned at ₹2,343.64 crore with a 75:25 funding split between Railways and the State Government, the project has achieved substantial progress in land acquisition and forest clearances. Tenders for construction have been invited. The line is expected to significantly improve access to markets, education, and healthcare for the tribal population of Malkangiri.
Jeypore–Nabarangpur New Line (44.14 km)
This ₹747.91 crore project, with shared construction funding between Railways and the State Government, has already entered the construction phase in key sections, including major bridge works. It will provide first-ever rail connectivity to Nabarangpur district.
Bargarh–Nuapada New Line (138.32 km)
Sanctioned at ₹2,621.92 crore, the project is advancing with parallel progress in land acquisition and tendering. Statutory notifications have been issued across the alignment. In Bargarh district, 20A notifications covering 79 villages have been published, followed by 20E notifications, with land acquisition concluded in six villages. In Nuapada district, 20A notifications for all six villages have also been issued, marking steady progress toward construction readiness.
Gunupur–Theruvali New Line (73.62 km)
With a sanctioned cost of ₹1,165.89 crore, the project has reached an advanced stage in land acquisition, with 20E notifications issued for all 51 villages along the alignment. This is expected to significantly improve connectivity in Rayagada district.
The four projects are expected to connect previously unserved districts and benefit over 30 lakh people, most of them from tribal and marginalized communities. Improved rail access is likely to help farmers reach wider markets, enable students to access educational institutions, and facilitate better healthcare access. The projects are also expected to attract investment, generate employment, and strengthen administrative outreach in remote regions.
Officials said the combined effect of the MoU framework and Special Railway Project status is creating a robust execution model that enhances coordination and accelerates infrastructure delivery, laying the groundwork for long-term socio-economic transformation in Odisha’s tribal heartland.
