The Business Bytes
BHUBANESWAR, SEPTEMBER 16, 2024 (TBB BUREAU): In a landmark event set to bolster Odisha’s railway infrastructure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone and dedicate several significant railway projects in the state on Tuesday. With a combined investment of Rs 2,871 crore, these initiatives are designed to enhance rail connectivity, alleviate congestion on crucial routes, and foster socio-economic development throughout the region. The projects aim to fortify the rail network across industrial, resource-rich, and tribal areas of Odisha, East Coast Railway said in a statement on Monday.
The Prime Minister will dedicate four key railway sections to the nation. The Lanjigarh Road-Ambadola-Doikallu Railway Section, spanning 25.394 km and part of the Vizianagaram-Titilagarh 3rd Line Project, represents an investment of Rs 432 crore. This vital section is set to improve capacity on the heavily trafficked Vizianagaram-Titilagarh route, thereby enhancing connectivity between western Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, and facilitating both passenger and freight movement.
Another important project is the Laxmipur Road-Singaram-Tikiri Railway Section, which is 22.94 km long and part of the Koraput-Singapur Road Doubling Project with an investment of Rs 260 crore. This project aims to boost train movement capacity in southern Odisha, easing the transport of freight from resource-rich areas to major markets.
Besides, the Dhenkanal-Sadashibapur-Hindol Road Railway Section, covering 40.62 km and costing Rs 540 crore, will augment capacity on a crucial industrial route, ensuring more efficient goods transportation. The Bangurkela-Nowgaon Railway Section, at 12.5-km and part of the Bondamunda-Ranchi Doubling Project with an investment of Rs 239 crore, will alleviate congestion and enhance connectivity between Odisha and Jharkhand.
In addition to these dedications, the Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stones for four new railway projects. The 7-km Flyover between Siju and Paradeep Coaching Yard, with an investment of Rs 200 crore, will eliminate surface crossings, ensuring smoother train movements at Paradeep Port, a major trade hub. The expansion of the Paradeep-Badabandha 3rd and 4th Line, spanning 18.51 km and costing Rs 300 crore, will increase capacity for both freight and passenger traffic, improving connectivity to Paradeep Port. The Doubling of the MCRL Inner Corridor Phase-1, covering 10.93 km and costing Rs 152 crore, will facilitate efficient coal evacuation. Lastly, the 41.9km Jeypore-Nabarangpur New Line, with an investment of Rs 748 crore, will connect the tribal-dominated regions of Jeypore and Nabarangpur, promoting economic growth and providing better market access and resources for the region’s people. This new line is expected to play a transformative role in the area’s economic upliftment by enhancing employment, trade, and mobility.
These projects are part of the government’s broader vision to enhance Odisha’s rail network, ensuring better connectivity and facilitating the movement of goods and passengers across the state. By reducing congestion, boosting capacity on key routes, and connecting industrial hubs, these initiatives will not only support local economies but also contribute to the national economy.
The Indian Railways continues to drive infrastructure development, fostering trade, industry, and tourism, and further integrating Odisha into India’s rapidly growing economy.
