Bhubaneswar: Union Minister of State for Railways V Somanna on Saturday said that railway infrastructure projects worth over ₹80,000 crore are currently being executed in Odisha, signalling a major transformation in the state’s connectivity landscape. He noted that ₹10,599 crore has been allocated to Odisha in the 2025–26 Union Budget, which represents a 12.5-fold increase compared to the ₹838 crore allocated during the 2009–2014 period.
The minister, who was on a visit to the state, conducted a detailed inspection of the ongoing redevelopment works at Bhubaneswar railway station. He was accompanied by East Coast Railway General Manager Parmeshwar Funkwal. Somanna said that the redevelopment of Bhubaneswar station is being carried out under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme and added that the work is progressing at a commendable pace.
He further informed that 59 stations across the state are currently being redeveloped at a cost of ₹2,379 crore. The upgraded stations, including Bhubaneswar, will feature enhanced passenger amenities such as modern access roads, improved circulating areas, spacious waiting halls, better toilets, lifts and escalators, and advanced passenger information systems. Provisions are also being made for kiosks promoting local products, executive lounges, and improved infrastructure for persons with disabilities. In addition, designated spaces will be created for commercial development within the redeveloped stations.
Somanna pointed out that over ₹25,000 crore has been sanctioned in the past one year alone for eight new railway line projects, along with multitracking and flyover works in Odisha. He said the scale of investment and the speed of implementation reflect the central government’s commitment to strengthening Odisha’s railway network and providing world-class infrastructure for the people of the state.
The Union Minister’s visit comes at a time when Odisha is witnessing rapid progress in transport infrastructure, with railways playing a pivotal role in enhancing regional development and economic growth.
