PM Modi Unveils Railway Projects Worth ₹2,750 Crore to Boost Odisha’s Connectivity

Bhubaneswar, June 20 : In a major push to enhance rail infrastructure and improve regional connectivity in Odisha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for railway projects totaling more than ₹2,750 crore. The event, held to commemorate the first anniversary of the BJP government in Odisha, marked a significant milestone in the state’s development journey.

Addressing the gathering via video conferencing, PM Modi flagged off two new weekly train services—Boudh–Bhubaneswar Express and Sambalpur–Boudh Express—ushering in a new era of rail connectivity for Boudh district, which has now been officially linked to the national railway network for the first time.

Among the key projects inaugurated or launched was the Sonepur–Purunakatak railway line (73 km), part of the ambitious Khurda Road–Balangir Rail Project. Constructed at a cost of ₹1,376 crore, the new line connects Boudh district headquarters to the broader railway network, fulfilling a long-standing public demand and promoting accessibility in western Odisha.

The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for the 3rd and 4th lines between Sarla and Sason (16 km), at a cost of ₹252 crore. This project is expected to reduce congestion on the high-traffic Jharsuguda–Sambalpur section, thereby facilitating smoother industrial and passenger movement.

Additional rail infrastructure projects dedicated by the Prime Minister included:

• A freight train maintenance facility at Sarla for wagon overhauls (₹165 crore)
• A subway in the Bamra–Dharuadihi section (₹10 crore)
• The Link C–Dumetra segment (5 km) of the Bondamunda–Ranchi doubling project (₹98 crore)
• A road overbridge (ROB) at Jaleswar (₹89 crore)
• The 4th rail line between Jharsuguda and Jamga (53 km), part of the broader Jharsuguda–Bilaspur rail project

These projects are designed to enhance rail capacity, improve logistics efficiency, and provide safer and more reliable rail services for both passengers and freight operators.

Speaking at the event, PM Modi reiterated the Centre’s commitment to balanced regional development and said these projects would not only strengthen Odisha’s transportation backbone but also boost industrial growth and job creation in the state.

“This is a step toward realising the vision of Viksit Bharat – Viksit Odisha,” the Prime Minister said, affirming that the Eastern region, especially Odisha, will play a vital role in India’s future growth.

The launch of these transformative projects underlines the government’s resolve to improve connectivity in underserved regions and ensure that every corner of the country is a participant in the journey of progress.