Bargarh Road–Nawapara Road New Railway Line to Boost Connectivity in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The East Coast Railway (ECoR) is making significant strides in the construction of the Bargarh Road–Nawapara Road New Railway Line, a strategically vital project aimed at strengthening regional connectivity in Odisha. This initiative is set to accelerate economic growth and improve both freight and passenger transportation within the state.

The 138.32 km-long railway line, declared a Special Railway Project, is being developed with an estimated investment of ₹2,621.92 crore, with substantial financial backing from the Odisha government. One of the critical aspects of the project’s execution is land acquisition, which is progressing in a phased manner to ensure timely completion.

According to ECoR sources, the project requires 924.64 hectares of land, comprising:

• 752.524 hectares of private land,
• 123.233 hectares of government land, and
• 48.913 hectares of forest land.

The estimated cost of land acquisition stands at ₹364 crore. The Odisha government has played a pivotal role in facilitating the project by providing land free of cost and sanctioning a grant of ₹300 crore for its execution. The land acquisition notification for the first block section between Bargarh and Sarsara in Bargarh Tehsil has already been published, with the verification of land schedules for five identified villages successfully completed by district authorities. The process is being conducted under the Railway Amendment Act, ensuring a smooth and transparent approach.

Strategic Importance of the Project

The new railway line will significantly reduce travel distances between major routes:

• By 53 km compared to the Sambalpur–Jharsuguda–Raipur route.
• By 87 km compared to the Sambalpur–Titilagarh–Raipur route.

This reduction will facilitate faster transportation of coal, iron ore, steel, cement, agro-based products, and other industrial goods, benefiting industries in Bargarh, Jharsuguda, Raipur, and Titilagarh. Additionally, the railway line will provide direct connectivity between Western Odisha and Chhattisgarh, bypassing the heavily congested Jharsuguda–Bilaspur–Raipur corridor.

This development will also serve remote and underserved regions, significantly enhancing access to education, healthcare, employment, and tourism opportunities. The project includes the construction of 13 railway stations, consisting of 11 new stations and 2 existing stations, further bolstering local connectivity.

Accelerating Project Execution

The Railways has expedited the tender process and land acquisition to ensure the timely commencement of physical construction. The land acquisition for the first block section between Bargarh and Sarsara marks a major step toward realizing this critical infrastructure project.

Upon completion, the Bargarh Road–Nawapara Road railway line is expected to transform the region by creating employment opportunities, fostering industrial development, and enhancing overall rail connectivity for the people of Odisha. This project stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to strengthening infrastructure and boosting regional growth.