Bhubaneswar: Odisha has received its highest-ever allocation for the Railways in the Union Budget 2026–27, marking a thirteen-fold jump in average annual funding compared to the pre-2014 period, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Monday while presenting a state-wise abstract of budgetary support.
Addressing the press, the Minister said the annual average railway allocation for Odisha has risen sharply from ₹1,171 crore during 2009–14 to ₹10,928 crore in the current budget cycle, describing it as a “historic transformation” in railway investment for the state.
He said railway infrastructure works worth ₹90,659 crore are currently underway across Odisha, covering new track construction, station redevelopment and large-scale safety enhancements. According to the Minister, the scale of investment reflects a long-term strategy to modernise the rail network and improve connectivity in one of the country’s key mineral- and industry-rich states.
A major focus of the investment is passenger infrastructure under the Amrit Station Scheme. As many as 59 railway stations in Odisha have been identified for comprehensive redevelopment at a total cost of ₹2,439 crore. Works have already been completed at six stations — Cuttack (Second Entry), Baripada, Barpali, Bimlagarh, Parlakhemundi and Talcher — the Minister said.
Highlighting improvements in train services, Vaishnaw noted that Odisha now operates six pairs each of Vande Bharat Express and Amrit Bharat Express trains, significantly improving travel efficiency and offering faster, modern rail options to passengers.
The Railway Minister also underlined rapid network expansion in the state since 2014. Around 2,200 kilometres of new railway tracks have been constructed during this period, a length he compared to being larger than the entire railway network of Malaysia. Odisha has also achieved 100 per cent electrification, with 1,559 kilometres of rail lines electrified over the past decade.
As part of safety and capacity augmentation measures, 632 flyovers and underpasses have been constructed in the state. Work related to the Kavach automatic train protection system is also progressing, with 2,922 route kilometres sanctioned and work or tendering completed for 772 route kilometres, the Minister said.
Vaishnaw said the Union Budget 2026 reinforces the Centre’s commitment to transforming Odisha’s railway infrastructure, positioning the state as a key hub for passenger mobility, freight movement and industrial growth in eastern India.
