The Centre has allocated Rs 10,536 crore for Odisha’s railway infrastructure development in the fiscal year 2024-25, marking a significant increase of Rs 524 crore compared to the previous year’s budget.
Remarkable Surge: Twelvefold Increase in Odisha’s Railway Allocations
Highlighting the transformative growth, official sources note that the annual average outlay for Odisha‘s railway sector in the last three years has hovered around Rs 10,000 crore. This reflects a notable twelvefold increase from the average outlay between 2009 and 2014, which was approximately Rs 838 crore.
Accelerated Track Expansion: Notable Progress in New Tracks Laid
Official data reveals that in 2023-24 alone, a total of 473km of new railway tracks were laid in Odisha. Contrasting this with the average of 206km per year between 2014 and 2024, and a mere 53km between 2009 and 2014, it underscores a significant acceleration in recent years.
Focus on Electrification Projects: Rs 269.11 Crore Allocated in New Budget
As part of the Plan Head, five new works include the upgradation of 35 railway electrification projects within the jurisdiction of the East Coast Railway (ECoR). The new budget allocates Rs 269.11 crore for these projects.
ECoR’s Robust Infrastructure Development: Rs 11,495.90 Crore Allotted
In terms of overall infrastructure development, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) has been allotted Rs 11,495.90 crore. Despite a marginal 0.2% decrease compared to the previous year, there is a substantial increase of Rs 1,127.06 crore in budgetary resources.
Major Allocations for Ongoing Projects: Key Investments in New Line Projects
Noteworthy allocations include Rs 1,350 crore for the Khurda Road-Bolangir New Line (289 km), Rs 500 crore for the Talcher-Bimlagarh New Line (154 km), Rs 230 crore for the Jeypore-Malkangiri New Line (130 km), and Rs 235 crore for the Jeypore-Nabarangpur New Line (38 km).
Special Projects Funding: Janajatiya Gaurav Corridor and Doubling Project
The central government has allocated Rs 300 crore under the Janajatiya Gaurav Corridor, while the doubling project for the Banspani-Daitari-Tomka-Jakhapura route (180 km) is set to receive Rs 100 crore.
(With PTI Inputs)
