Synopsis
The Union government has allocated ₹10,599 crore for enhancing railway infrastructure in Odisha for the financial year 2025-26, marking a significant increase from previous budgets. Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the rapid development of railway projects in the state, positively impacting the economy.Key Takeaways
- Allocation of Rs 10,599 crore for Odisha railways.
- 12.5-fold increase from previous allocations.
- Over Rs 10,000 crore received annually for three years.
- Construction of 2,046 km of new tracks.
- Introduction of six Vande Bharat trains.
Bhubaneswar, Feb 3 (NationPress) The Union government has dedicated Rs 10,599 crore towards enhancing the Railway infrastructure in Odisha as part of the Union Budget for the fiscal year 2025-26.
This marks an impressive increase of approximately 12.5 times compared to the Rs. 838 crore allocated during the 2009-2014 timeframe.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw addressed the media on Monday, stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman have set a new record with the allocation of Rs 10,599 crore this cycle.
He further emphasized that Odisha has consistently received over Rs. 10,000 crores annually for railway enhancements over the last three years.
The Union Railway Minister pointed out that this significant increase in funding has expedited the progress of various ongoing projects in Odisha, which is evident on the ground.
“In the past decade, 2,046 km of new railway tracks have been laid in Odisha, surpassing the total railway network of Malaysia in scale,” Vaishnaw added.
He commended the benefits of the double-engine government, noting that the railways are receiving full support regarding land acquisition and forest clearances necessary for project implementation.
Currently, the total investment in the rail sector in Odisha amounts to Rs 78,000 crore due to this collaboration.
Furthermore, he mentioned that PM Modi has approved projects worth Rs 20,000 crore for the railway sector in Odisha during his third term.
The budget encompasses Rs. 2,379 crore designated for the development of 59 stations across Odisha, including vital hubs such as Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Sambalpur, and Rourkela.
Currently, six Vande Bharat trains operate in Odisha, linking the state with West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Andhra Pradesh. These trains have received a positive response from passengers.
Vaishnaw announced that additional trains will be introduced soon as the construction of new tracks is progressing rapidly. Previously, there were few railway tracks.
The Union Minister also disclosed plans to upgrade the entire railway track from Kolkata to Chennai into a four-lane configuration in the future.
He informed the media that approval has been granted for the expansion to a three-lane track up to Visakhapatnam, with ongoing work for more tracks almost complete from Kolkata to Bhadrak.
Additionally, the Kavach safety system has been approved for 1,898 km of rail line, with ongoing work and tendering for 645 km.
A total of 1,000 locomotives will be integrated with this system to enhance safety measures.
Meanwhile, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed his gratitude towards PM Modi and Finance Minister Sitharaman for the allocation of Rs 10,599 crore for the development of railways in Odisha.
“On behalf of the people of Odisha, I extend my heartfelt thanks to PM Modi, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for the Rs 10,599 crore allocated as the Railway budget. This investment will accelerate the development of rail infrastructure and strengthen the economic condition of our state, aiding in the creation of a 'developed Odisha',” CM Majhi stated.
