Odisha Sees Record Railway Investment of Rs 80,000 Crore

New lines, station redevelopment, and multi-tracking projects reshape state’s connectivity

Bhubaneswar: Odisha is witnessing railway development at a scale never seen before, with projects worth more than Rs 80,000 crore under implementation across the state. These projects cover new line construction, multi-tracking, electrification, station redevelopment, and major flyover initiatives. Together, they aim to transform rail connectivity, ease congestion, and improve passenger convenience while strengthening freight corridors critical for industry and commerce.

Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 59 railway stations across Odisha are undergoing modernization at an estimated cost of Rs 2,379 crore. The redevelopment works focus on passenger-friendly design and future-ready facilities. Plans include better station access, elevated approach roads, expanded circulating areas, and modernized waiting halls. Passengers will benefit from escalators, lifts, Divyangjan-friendly amenities, upgraded information systems, and new commercial spaces that integrate travel with retail convenience.

In the past year alone, the state has received sanctions worth more than Rs 25,000 crore for eight new railway projects. These include new line constructions designed to bring unconnected regions into the railway map, expand economic activity, and support industries in resource-rich districts. Alongside, large-scale multi-tracking and flyover works are underway, aiming to decongest critical routes and ensure smooth freight as well as passenger movement.

Odisha’s railway network plays a pivotal role in transporting coal, minerals, and steel from the state’s industrial hubs to ports and other states. Multi-tracking of busy corridors such as Talcher–Sambalpur and Bhadrak–Vizianagaram is expected to enhance freight capacity significantly. Flyover projects, on the other hand, will reduce delays caused by congestion at junctions, improving the overall efficiency of the network.

With rising passenger traffic, the redevelopment projects are prioritizing comfort, safety, and accessibility. Improved waiting halls, digital information boards, and Divyangjan-friendly infrastructure are designed to ensure inclusivity. The addition of escalators and lifts across redeveloped stations is expected to ease movement for elderly and differently-abled passengers, while modern commercial spaces will transform stations into hubs of both travel and business activity.

The ongoing projects highlight the central government’s focus on eastern India’s infrastructure development. Odisha, being resource-rich and strategically located, is seen as a key driver of freight revenue and industrial growth. By investing in large-scale railway expansion and modernization, authorities aim to balance the state’s industrial demands with passenger requirements, ensuring inclusive growth.

Once completed, these projects are expected to reshape Odisha’s economic landscape. Better connectivity will improve access to markets, reduce travel time, and promote tourism across regions like Puri, Konark, and Similipal. The expansion of freight corridors will provide industries with faster and more reliable transport, further strengthening Odisha’s role as a hub for mining, steel, and port-based trade.

With over Rs 80,000 crore in investments already underway and new projects continuously being sanctioned, Odisha’s railway sector is on course for unprecedented growth, promising long-term benefits for both industry and citizens alike.