PM Modi to Launch ₹1,700-Crore Railway Projects in Odisha on Sept 27
Prime Minister’s September 27 visit to strengthen connectivity, boost mineral transport, and expand healthcare and education facilities in the state
Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Odisha on September 27 to unveil a series of transformative projects aimed at upgrading the state’s railway infrastructure and enhancing regional connectivity. During the visit, he will inaugurate and dedicate railway initiatives worth more than ₹1,700 crore, launch new healthcare and education facilities, and address a public meeting in Jharsuguda.
The Prime Minister will flag off the Amrit Bharat Express connecting Berhampur in Ganjam with Udhna in Gujarat’s Surat district via video conferencing. Officials said the train will depart from Berhampur at noon on the day of the launch, with regular schedules to be announced soon. The new service is expected to benefit passengers across Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, improving travel comfort and reducing journey times.
Among the key projects, Modi will dedicate the doubling of the Koraput–Baiguda rail line (34 km, ₹481 crore) and the Manabar–Koraput–Gorapur section (82 km, ₹955 crore). These upgrades will smoothen mineral transport from Odisha’s hilly and resource-rich regions, facilitate agricultural trade, and strengthen passenger services. Importantly, the Manabar–Koraput–Gorapur line will accelerate the movement of iron ore from Bailadilla mines to steel plants nationwide, boosting India’s steel industry.
He will also inaugurate a ₹273-crore rail flyover between Sambalpur City and Sarla, designed to ease congestion at a critical junction on the Sambalpur–Jharsuguda line, one of the busiest freight corridors in eastern India. Officials said this flyover will ensure smoother coal and mineral transport, benefiting industries while reducing delays for passenger trains.
As part of his visit, Modi will inaugurate a 5 km flyover at Sambalpur City built at a cost of ₹273 crore, expected to ease urban traffic and improve local connectivity.
Under the Seva Parv initiative, the Prime Minister will also announce the expansion of eight Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), elevate MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur and VIMSAR in Sambalpur to super-specialty status, and launch a national skill development programme. In addition, aid will be distributed to 50,000 beneficiaries under the Antyodaya scheme, reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to inclusive growth.
Officials stressed that the new railway lines will particularly benefit Koraput, Rayagada, Kalahandi, Balangir, Nuapada, and Ganjam districts by creating faster access to markets, industries, and ports. These links are also expected to generate employment for local youth, traders, and farmers, while stimulating eco-tourism and agro-based industries.
The Amrit Bharat Express, connecting Odisha to Gujarat, will strengthen cultural and economic bonds across eastern, central, and western India, with stops covering towns and cities in Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.
Modi was earlier scheduled to hold his public meeting in Berhampur, but forecasts of heavy rainfall in southern Odisha prompted a shift to Amlipali Ground near Veer Surendra Sai Airport in Jharsuguda.
Together, the projects mark a significant step in realizing the vision of a Viksit Odisha within a Viksit Bharat. The Prime Minister’s visit underscores the government’s focus on modern infrastructure, industrial expansion, job creation, and inclusive welfare.
“These projects will reduce travel time, enhance freight efficiency, and bring tangible benefits to industries and communities across Odisha,” an official statement said, adding that the investments reflect the Centre’s guiding principle of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas.
Also Read :
https://odishainsider.com/odisha-accelerates-railway-expansion-to-boost-connectivity-and-heritage-tourism/
