Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw praised the rapid development of railway infrastructure in Odisha, showcasing the government’s emphasis on improving connectivity and capacity in the state. He mentioned ongoing railway projects exceeding Rs 90,000 crore, illustrating a significant expansion of the rail network. Vaishnaw also inspected the redevelopment of Bhubaneswar Railway Station, stressing the importance of timely completion and quality execution.
The Minister engaged with passengers during his visit, who expressed satisfaction with the ongoing changes and the airport-like facilities being introduced at the station. He urged officials to accelerate the work pace for timely project completion. Additionally, Vaishnaw reviewed the proposed elevated corridor and instructed the resolution of pending issues on a priority basis to expedite completion.
Vaishnaw highlighted the allocation of a record railway budget of Rs 10,928 crore for Odisha, facilitating faster project implementation. He mentioned the redevelopment of 59 railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme to enhance passenger experience. The Minister emphasized the goal of connecting all 30 districts of Odisha through railway links to promote inclusive development and better integration of remote areas with the main rail network.
Emphasizing major infrastructure projects like the four-line coastal rail corridor from Balasore to Berhampur, Vaishnaw noted their potential to boost capacity and economic activity along the coastal region. He concluded that these railway initiatives would enhance regional connectivity, support economic growth, and integrate Odisha more closely with national rail networks. The ongoing investments and policy initiatives are expected to position Odisha as a significant beneficiary of India’s expanding railway infrastructure.
