Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a significant milestone in Odisha’s rail infrastructure development by laying the foundation stone, inaugurating, and dedicating several key railway projects worth over ₹2,750 crores to the nation. The ceremony, held in Bhubaneswar, also featured the Prime Minister flagging off new trains from Boudh and Purunakatak via video conferencing.
Key Projects:
The foundation stone was laid for the 3rd and 4th rail line between Sarla and Sason, spanning 16 kilometres and costing ₹252 crores. This project aims to alleviate congestion on the busy Jharsuguda-Sambalpur rail section while promoting industrial growth in the region. By enhancing rail infrastructure, the project is expected to boost economic activity and facilitate smoother transportation of goods and passengers.
A new railway line between Sonepur and Purunakatak, spanning 73 kilometres, was inaugurated as part of the larger Khurda Road-Balangir Rail Project (301 km). This significant project, valued at ₹1,376 crores, marks a historic milestone by connecting the Boudh District Headquarters to the national railway network for the first time. The long-awaited connection fulfils a cherished aspiration of the local population, opening up new avenues for economic growth, accessibility, and development in the region.
Several key projects were dedicated to the nation, including a Freight Train Maintenance Facility with routine overhauling of wagons at Sarla, valued at ₹165 crores. Additionally, a subway in the Bamra-Dharuadihi section, worth ₹10 crores, was dedicated to enhance safety and convenience. Other projects include the Link C-Dumetra section (5 km) of the Bondamunda-Ranchi Doubling project, costing ₹98 crores, and a Road Over Bridge (ROB) at Jaleswar, valued at ₹89 crores. These projects aim to enhance rail infrastructure, improve safety, and increase efficiency.
The 4th rail line between Jharsuguda and Jamga, spanning 53 kilometres, is part of the larger 206 km Jharsuguda-Bilaspur project. This initiative is expected to significantly boost operational capacity, logistics efficiency, and safety, ultimately facilitating smoother movement of both passengers and freight. By enhancing rail infrastructure, the project aims to improve overall transportation efficiency and support economic growth in the region.
Launch of New Train Services
The Prime Minister flagged off two new train services, marking a significant milestone in rail connectivity for the Boudh District in Western and Central Odisha. The new trains include the 18313/18314 Boudh-Bhubaneswar Weekly Express and the 18311/18312 Sambalpur-Boudh-Sambalpur Weekly Express. These services usher in a new era of rail connectivity, enhancing travel convenience and accessibility for the local population.
These projects and new train services represent a major step in realising the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat – Viksit Odisha’. This visit of the Prime Minister coincides with the completion of 11 years of Service, Good Governance and Garib Kalyan, and marks a year of progress under the current Odisha Government.
The launch and dedication of these mega rail projects not only mark the strengthening of Odisha’s railway infrastructure but also symbolise the Centre’s strong commitment to inclusive growth, regional development, and a better-connected India. This day marks a historic milestone for the people of Odisha as long-pending dreams are finally turning into reality.
