BHUBANESHWAR, Feb 3: The Rail Budget 2025 heralds a transformative phase for Odisha’s railway infrastructure, bringing about unprecedented advancements, modernization, and enhanced connectivity, stated Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday.
He noted that both ongoing projects and upcoming investments will bolster Odisha’s role as a vital participant in India’s railway framework while significantly fueling regional economic development.
At a press conference held on Monday, Vaishnaw shared critical highlights of the 2025 Rail Budget for Odisha through video conferencing from New Delhi.
He revealed a historic budget allocation of Rs.10,599 crore for railway enhancements in Odisha, representing a remarkable 12.5-fold increase from the Rs.838 crore allocated during the 2009-2014 timeframe.
Vaishnaw further emphasized that over the last three years, Odisha has received more than Rs.10,000 crore annually for railway development, contributing to an overall investment of Rs.78,000 crore in the state’s railway sector. In addition, projects worth Rs.20,000 crore have been approved during the current government’s term.
Detailing the significant aspects of the Rail Budget 2025 for Odisha, Vaishnaw indicated that railway electrification in Odisha has surged 4.5 times, with 138 km of track electrified between 2014-2025, compared to only 29 km in the preceding period.
Since 2014, over 2,046 km of new tracks have been laid, surpassing the entire rail network of Malaysia in magnitude.
Odisha has achieved complete electrification, with a total of 1,516 km of electrified track.
Currently, over 48 new track projects are in progress, covering 4,784 km with an investment of Rs.73,723 crore, and Rs.2,379 crore has been earmarked for the development of 59 railway stations, including crucial hubs such as Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Sambalpur, and Rourkela.
The Kavach safety system has been approved for 1,898 km of railway tracks, with ongoing work and tendering for 645 km, and a total of 1,000 locomotives will be equipped with Kavach to enhance railway safety.
Since 2014, 522 rail flyovers and under-bridges have been constructed, alongside the installation of 43 lifts, 18 escalators, and Wi-Fi services at 234 stations to elevate passenger convenience.
The Railway Minister mentioned that six Vande Bharat trains currently operate throughout Odisha, connecting 17 districts with 25 unique stops, providing modern, high-speed travel options.
A new Amrit Bharat Express running between Malda Town and Bengaluru will significantly improve connectivity across five states, he added.
The multi-tracking project from Kolkata to Chennai is advancing rapidly, with substantial progress made between Kolkata and Bhadrak. Third-line construction is underway, with plans for a fourth line also in progress.
Vaishnaw expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister, the Finance Minister, and Odisha’s Chief Minister for their steadfast support in revamping Odisha’s railway infrastructure. He underscored the contribution of the “Double Engine Government” model in facilitating this extensive development.
(UNI)
