PM Modi Unveils ₹2,750 Crore Rail Projects, Flags Off New Trains in Odisha
Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for multiple key railway infrastructure projects worth over ₹2,750 crore in Odisha, significantly boosting connectivity, freight movement, and regional development in the state.
At a high-profile event in Bhubaneswar, the Prime Minister flagged off two new trains—Boudh–Bhubaneswar–Boudh Weekly Express (18313/18314) and Sambalpur–Boudh–Sambalpur Weekly Express (18311/18312)—through video conferencing. These new services are expected to improve travel options for residents in central and western Odisha.
Modi also laid the foundation stone for the 3rd and 4th railway lines between Sarla and Sason (16 km), a ₹252 crore project aimed at decongesting the heavily trafficked Jharsuguda–Sambalpur rail corridor and promoting industrial growth in the region.
In a historic moment, the Prime Minister inaugurated a new 73-km railway line between Sonepur and Purunakatak, constructed as part of the larger Khurda Road–Balangir Rail Project (301 km) at a cost of ₹1,376 crore. This development has connected Boudh District Headquarters to the national railway network for the first time, fulfilling a decades-long demand of local residents.
Among the other key projects inaugurated were:
- Freight train maintenance facility at Sarla (₹165 crore) for routine wagon overhauls
- Subway in Bamra–Dharuadihi section (₹10 crore)
- Link C–Dumetra section (5 km) of the Bondamunda–Ranchi Doubling Project (₹98 crore)
- Road Over Bridge (ROB) at Jaleswar (₹89 crore)
- Fourth railway line between Jharsuguda and Jamga (53 km), part of the 206-km Jharsuguda–Bilaspur Project
According to a statement from Indian Railways, these projects will significantly enhance operational capacity, safety, and logistics efficiency, while also ensuring smoother movement for both passengers and freight.
The mega railway infrastructure push is seen as a part of the broader strategy to accelerate Odisha’s economic development and strengthen regional connectivity across eastern India.
