New Delhi, Feb 22: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who is on a New Delhi visit, on Friday met Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and discussed about the development of railway infrastructure in the state.
As per reports, Railways Ministry has approved several major infrastructure projects for Odisha, including a new 250-km railway line between Gopalpur and Rayagada, as well as the final location survey for doubling the Nuapada-Gunupur-Therubali line.
CM Majhi thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Vaishnaw.
"The discussions emphasized the construction of the Joda-Badabil and Badabil-Barasuan railway lines, which are expected to facilitate the establishment of an industrial corridor connecting Badabil, Joda, and Keonjhar. This development is anticipated to create numerous employment opportunities and accelerate the region's growth,” said a press statement released by the CMO.
During the meeting with CM Majhi, Vaishnaw highlighted on the ongoing projects worth Rs 73,000 crore in the state and reaffirmed the Central government’s commitment to Odisha’s development.
He noted that since 2014, Odisha has witnessed the construction of 2,046 km of new railway lines, surpassing Malaysia’s total rail network. The government’s focus includes improving connectivity in tribal and aspirational districts, with eight new railway lines worth Rs 20,000 crore approved during PM Modi’s third term.
Additionally, 59 stations in Odisha are being upgraded under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, with 16 located in aspirational districts.
According to the Chief Minister’s Office, Vaishnaw stated that the process to establish the Rayagada Division has begun, and six Vande Bharat trains are now operational in the state.
