Dharmendra Pradhan Pushes for Faster Rail Projects in Western Odisha

Union Minister reviews Sambalpur Division works, sets timelines for key rail lines and passenger upgrades

Bhubaneswar: Union Education Minister and Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday chaired a high-level review meeting of the East Coast Railway’s Sambalpur Division, stressing the need for speedy completion of long-pending railway projects in western Odisha.

The meeting was attended by Members of Parliament from Balangir, Bargarh, Kalahandi, and neighbouring constituencies, along with senior railway officials. The discussions focused on improving regional connectivity, passenger facilities, and freight movement to support economic growth in the region.

Focus on Long-Pending Rail Connectivity Projects

During the review, Dharmendra Pradhan highlighted that western Odisha has waited for decades for better railway infrastructure and urged officials to accelerate work without further delays.

Key projects reviewed included:

• Khurda–Balangir rail line
• Talcher–Bimlagarh rail project
•  Jharsuguda–Jeypore rail line doubling

Calling these projects critical for the region’s development, the Union Minister said improved rail connectivity would directly benefit passengers, industries, and tribal areas.

Khurda–Balangir Line to Be Completed by 2026

Providing a major update, Dharmendra Pradhan announced that the Khurda–Balangir rail line is expected to be completed by 2026. He described it as a historic achievement under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

Once completed, the rail line will significantly reduce travel time between coastal and western Odisha and open up new economic opportunities for interior districts.

New Rail Lines and Freight Infrastructure Plans

The Union Minister informed that funds have been sanctioned for the Bargarh–Nuapada rail line, and survey work is already in progress. This new line is expected to improve connectivity in backward and border regions of the state.

Other important proposals discussed included:

•  Alignment changes in the Barkot–Jharsuguda line to extend it up to Lapanga
• Construction of inner and outer rail lines at Chhendipada to support coal transportation

These measures are aimed at boosting freight efficiency and strengthening Odisha’s role as a key industrial and mining hub.

Passenger Services and Vande Bharat Trains in Focus

Passenger convenience was a major priority during the meeting. Dharmendra Pradhan said proposals are being worked out for running four Vande Bharat Express trains connecting western Odisha with:

• Visakhapatnam
•  Raipur
•  Ranchi
•  Coastal Odisha regions

He noted that high-speed and modern trains will improve travel comfort and encourage economic and tourism activities across the region.

Station Redevelopment Under Amrit Bharat Scheme

The redevelopment of major stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme was also reviewed. Stations such as Sambalpur, Balangir, Kesinga, and Bargarh have been prioritised.

Work on Sambalpur railway station is expected to begin next month. Plans include modern passenger amenities, better platforms, improved circulation areas, and upgraded waiting facilities.

In addition, lifts, foot overbridges, and underpasses will be developed at nearly 100 stations from Koraput to Sundargarh to enhance accessibility and safety for passengers.

Maintenance and Coordination Improvements Planned

The Union Minister also spoke about the upcoming rail coach servicing centre at Maneswar in Sambalpur district, which will strengthen maintenance capacity and improve train reliability.

He called for a larger coordination meeting involving the Bilaspur Railway Zone and Chakradharpur Division to streamline passenger services, project execution, and infrastructure planning across western Odisha.

Leaders and Officials Attend Review Meeting

The meeting was attended by MPs Pradeep Purohit (Bargarh), Sangeeta Kumari Singhdeo (Balangir), representatives from Kalahandi, and a lawmaker from Mahasamund in Chhattisgarh, along with senior East Coast Railway officials.

Dharmendra Pradhan concluded by reiterating that fast-tracking railway projects in western Odisha is essential for balanced regional development and assured continued monitoring at the highest level.