Railway Infrastructure Expansion in Odisha Sees Massive Boost, Over 2,150 Km Tracks Commissioned Since 2014
Railway infrastructure development in Odisha has witnessed a major expansion over the past decade, with the commissioning of more than 2,150 km of new railway tracks between 2014 and 2025, marking a more than three-and-a-half-fold increase compared to the 267 km commissioned during 2009–2014.
The details were shared by Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw in a reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha.
The large-scale railway expansion in the state includes new railway lines, multi-tracking projects and strategic connectivity improvements, aimed at strengthening transportation infrastructure, boosting economic activity and improving passenger convenience across the region.
Railway Budget Allocation Surges Nearly 13 Times
The government has significantly increased the budget allocation for railway infrastructure and safety works in Odisha.
Railway Budget Allocation for Odisha
| Period | Annual Outlay |
|---|---|
| 2009–2014 | ₹838 crore per year |
| 2025–2026 | ₹10,599 crore |
This represents nearly a 13-fold increase in railway investment in the state, highlighting the growing focus on infrastructure modernization and network expansion.
Sharp Rise in New Railway Track Commissioning
Indian Railways has accelerated track construction and commissioning activities in Odisha over the past decade.
New Track Commissioning in Odisha
| Period | New Track Commissioned | Average Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009–2014 | 267 km | 53 km |
| 2014–2025 | 2,150 km | 195 km |
The figures show that average annual track commissioning has increased more than three times, improving connectivity across multiple districts in the state.
Large Number of Railway Projects Sanctioned
As of April 1, 2025, 49 railway projects covering a total length of 4,010 km have been sanctioned in Odisha. These include 19 new railway lines and 30 doubling or multi-tracking projects.
Status of Sanctioned Projects
| Category | Number of Projects | Total Length (km) | Commissioned (km) | Expenditure (₹ Cr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Lines | 19 | 1,544 | 256 | 6,270 |
| Doubling/Multi-tracking | 30 | 2,466 | 1,173 | 21,773 |
| Total | 49 | 4,010 | 1,429 | 28,043 |
A total of ₹28,043 crore has already been spent on these projects up to March 2025.
Recently Completed Railway Projects
Several major railway infrastructure projects in Odisha have been completed in recent years, improving freight movement and passenger connectivity across the state.
Recently Completed Projects
| Project | Length | Cost (₹ Cr) |
|---|---|---|
| Daitari–Banspani New Line & Jakhapura–Haridaspur 3rd Line | 179 km | 1,317 |
| Jharsuguda–Sardega New Line | 50 km | 1,598 |
| Haridaspur–Paradeep New Line | 82 km | 2,397 |
| Angul–Sukinda New Line | 104 km | 2,834 |
| Champa–Jharsuguda 3rd Line | 152 km | 1,227 |
| Sambalpur–Titlagarh Doubling | 182 km | 2,262 |
| Rourkela–Jharsuguda 3rd Line | 101 km | 1,313 |
| Banspani–Daitari–Tomka–Jakhapura Doubling | 164 km | 1,827 |
| Sambalpur–Talcher Doubling | 174 km | 1,539 |
| Raipur–Titlagarh Doubling | 203 km | 1,171 |
| Jharsuguda–Sardega Doubling | 50 km | 3,200 |
These projects have strengthened connectivity between industrial corridors, mining regions and major ports in the state.
Major Ongoing Railway Projects in Odisha
Indian Railways is also executing a large number of ongoing projects aimed at expanding rail connectivity to remote regions and strengthening freight corridors.
Key Ongoing Projects
| Project | Length | Cost (₹ Cr) |
|---|---|---|
| Junagarh–Nabarangpur New Line | 116 km | 2,865 |
| Nabarangpur–Jeypore New Line | 41 km | 748 |
| Jeypore–Malkangiri New Line | 130 km | 2,344 |
| Malkangiri–Pandurangapuram New Line | 174 km | 3,592 |
| Buramara–Chakulia New Line | 60 km | 1,459 |
| Gunupur–Therubali New Line | 74 km | 1,166 |
| Puri–Konark New Line | 32 km | 492 |
| Badampahar–Kendujhargarh New Line | 82 km | 1,876 |
| Bangriposi–Gorumahisani New Line | 86 km | 2,269 |
| Bargarh Road–Nawapara Road Line | 138 km | 2,622 |
| Vizianagaram–Titlagarh 3rd Line | 265 km | 6,996 |
| Jarapada–Budhapank 3rd & 4th Line | 101 km | 810 |
| Budhapank–Salegaon 3rd & 4th Line | 170 km | 2,023 |
| Nergundi–Vizianagaram 3rd Line | 385 km | 4,963 |
| Kottavalasa–Koraput Doubling | 189 km | 2,500 |
| Koraput–Singapur Road Doubling | 165 km | 2,362 |
| Jagdalpur–Koraput Doubling | 107 km | 1,547 |
| Jharsuguda–Bilaspur 4th Line | 206 km | 2,596 |
| Bondamunda–Ranchi Doubling | 159 km | 3,029 |
| Narayangarh–Bhadrak 3rd Line | 153 km | 2,136 |
| Bhadrak–Nergundi 3rd Line | 92 km | 1,284 |
These projects are expected to significantly improve freight capacity and reduce congestion on major railway corridors.
Khurda Road–Bolangir Rail Project Advances
The 301-km Khurda Road–Bolangir new railway line is one of the most important connectivity projects in Odisha. The latest cost of the project is estimated at ₹5,089 crore, and ₹4,311 crore has already been spent.
Status of Khurda Road–Bolangir Line
| Section | Length | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Khurda Road–Daspalla | 106 km | Commissioned |
| Daspalla–Purunakatak | 75 km | Work underway |
| Purunakatak–Bolangir | 120 km | Commissioned |
Progress on Daspalla–Purunakatak Section
| Activity | Scope | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Tunnels | 7 (11.96 km) | 6 completed |
| Major Bridges | 5 | Completed |
| Station Buildings | 5 | Construction underway |
All seven tunnels in this difficult terrain section have now been excavated, marking a major milestone for the project.
Salegaon–Budhapank Third and Fourth Line Project
Another important project is the construction of third and fourth railway lines between Salegaon and Budhapank, which will significantly increase line capacity.
Section-wise Progress
| Section | Length | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Salegaon–Rajatgarh | 23 km | Commissioned |
| Rajatgarh–Dhenkanal | 20 km | Land acquisition completed |
| Dhenkanal–Meramundali | 34 km | Commissioned |
| Meramundali–Budhapank | 8 km | Bridges and stations completed |
A total of 57 km of this project has already been commissioned, while work continues on the remaining 28 km, including major bridges and station infrastructure.
Existing Train Connectivity in Koraput Region
The Bhubaneswar–Rayagada–Jeypore–Koraput corridor currently operates several train services connecting the region to major railway hubs.
Trains Serving Koraput–Kottavalasa Section
| Train |
|---|
| 18515/18516 Kirandul–Visakhapatnam Express |
| 58501/58502 Kirandul–Visakhapatnam Passenger |
| 58537/58538 Koraput–Visakhapatnam Passenger |
Trains Connecting Kottavalasa to Bhubaneswar
| Train |
|---|
| Tambaram–Santragachi Amrit Bharat Express |
| SMVT Bengaluru–Alipurduar Amrit Bharat Express |
| SMVT Bengaluru–Balurghat Express |
| SMVT Bengaluru–Radhikapur Express |
| Secunderabad–Bhubaneswar Visakha Express |
| Charlapalli–Shalimar East Coast Express |
These train services help connect remote districts with major urban centers and economic hubs.
Factors Affecting Railway Project Completion
Railway officials noted that several external factors influence the completion timelines of large railway infrastructure projects.
Key Challenges
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Land acquisition processes
-
Forest clearances
-
Shifting of utilities
-
Geological and topographical conditions
-
Statutory approvals from authorities
-
Law and order conditions in project areas
-
Limited working seasons in certain regions
These factors can impact both project costs and construction timelines.
Rail Expansion Expected to Transform Odisha Connectivity
The large-scale railway expansion in Odisha is expected to significantly improve transportation efficiency, boost trade and enhance passenger mobility.
With record levels of budget allocation, rapid track commissioning and dozens of ongoing projects, the railway network in Odisha is undergoing a major transformation. The expansion is likely to strengthen connectivity between industrial regions, mining belts, ports and remote districts, contributing to the state’s long-term economic growth and development.
