The Union government has earmarked Rs 10,928 crore for enhancing railway infrastructure in Odisha in the Union Budget for the financial year 2026-27. This allocation was announced by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament last week. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw revealed that ongoing railway projects in Odisha are valued at Rs 90,659 crore.
Vaishnaw highlighted the commitment to fulfilling the promise of implementing projects worth over Rs 1 lakh crore in Odisha over five years. He emphasized the importance of Odisha as a key focus area for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Additionally, he mentioned the proposed East–West Freight Corridor passing through Odisha, which is expected to boost industrial development in the state.
The Railway Minister acknowledged the operational Vande Bharat Express and Amrit Bharat Express train services in Odisha. He expressed gratitude for the cooperation received from Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi in the state’s railway development. Vaishnaw also addressed concerns about elephant deaths in train accidents, mentioning plans to deploy new technology and AI-based thermal cameras to prevent such incidents.
Odisha is set to benefit from upcoming high-speed rail corridors, according to the Union Minister. He further disclosed plans to construct new underpasses at 200 locations nationwide, including Odisha, to facilitate safe passage for elephants and prevent their presence on railway tracks.
