Bhubaneswar/New Delhi, February 3: A total of Rs 10,599 crore has been allocated for railway development in Odisha in the Union Budget 2025-26, marking a 12.5-fold increase from the Rs 838 crore allocated during the 2009-2014 period.
Railway Miniater Ashwini Vaishnaw unveiled key highlights of the 2025 Rail Budget for Odisha, through Video Conferencing from New Delhi.
Expansion of the railway network:
Between 2014-2025, 186 km of new tracks will be laid, 3.5 times more than the 53 km added during the previous period.
Electrification Progress:
Odisha’s electrification efforts have seen a 4.5-fold increase, with 138 km of electrified track during 2014-2025 compared to just 29 km in the previous term.
Massive Infrastructure Development:
Over 2,046 km of new tracks have been constructed since 2014, surpassing Malaysia’s entire rail network in scale.
o Odisha has also achieved 100% electrification with 1,516 km of track electrified.
Ongoing Projects and Future Investments:
Currently, 48 new track projects are underway, with a total of 4,784 km of tracks being developed and an investment of Rs. 73,723 crore.
Development of Amrit Stations:
The budget includes Rs. 2,379 crore for the development of 59 stations across Odisha, including key hubs like Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Sambalpur, and Rourkela.
Safety and Technology Enhancements:
The Kavach safety system has been sanctioned 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 the system to enhance safety.
Passenger Amenities and Infrastructure Upgrades:
Since 2014, 522 rail flyovers and under-bridges have been constructed. Additionally, 43 lifts, 18 escalators, and Wi-Fi have been installed at 234 stations.
Vande Bharat Trains:
Six Vande Bharat trains now run across Odisha, connecting 17 districts and 25 unique stoppages, offering modern, high-speed travel for passengers.
Amrit Bharat Express:
An Amrit Bharat Express, running between Malda Town and Bengaluru, connects five states, enhancing regional connectivity.
Record Investment & Historical Development:
Odisha has received over Rs 10,000 crore annually for railway development over the past three years, contributing to a total investment of Rs 78,000 crore in the state’s railway sector. Furthermore, an additional Rs 20,000 crore worth of projects have been sanctioned during the current government’s tenure.
Multi-Tracking Initiatives:
The multi-tracking project from Kolkata to Chennai is progressing rapidly, with significant work completed between Kolkata and Bhadrak. Third-line work is already underway, and the fourth line will be processed in the future.
