Centre's New Rail Project Connects Odisha's Industrial Heartlands

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, on 9 September 2025, announced the Centre’s vision for a new strategic railway line connecting Boinda in Angul to the Balangir-Khurda route via Boudh. Spanning approximately 80 km, the proposed link is expected to serve as a critical connector in Odisha’s growing railway network.

The announcement came after a high-level meeting held at Pradhan’s residence in New Delhi, attended by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and several Members of Parliament from Odisha. The meeting focused on strengthening the state’s railway infrastructure and advancing key transport priorities.

Pradhan emphasized that the government is placing special attention on improving civic amenities and expanding rail connectivity, particularly in Odisha’s coal-rich regions.

Among the major projects reviewed were:

Jharsuguda–Barkote line, Angul–Talcher new line, Bargarh Road–Nuapada Road–Raipur corridor, Talcher–Bimalagarh line, Khurda–Balangir line, Sambalpur–Jarapada third and fourth lines, Jarapada–Tentuloi coal corridor via Budhapank

“These projects will connect Odisha’s coal belts with ports, streamlining freight logistics and driving the state’s industrial expansion,” Pradhan stated. He further highlighted that strengthening railway infrastructure is key to realising the vision of a “Developed Odisha” under the Centre’s Purvodaya initiative.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.