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Odisha Rail Budget 2025: Record Allocation Announced

Rail Budget 2025: Odisha Receives Record Rs.10,599 Crore for Railway Infrastructure

Bhubaneswar, Feb 3 : The Rail Budget 2025 has ushered in a transformative era for Odisha’s railway infrastructure, with Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announcing a record budgetary allocation of Rs.10,599 crore for the state. Addressing a press conference via video conferencing from New Delhi on Monday, Vaishnaw highlighted the unprecedented growth, modernization, and connectivity envisioned for Odisha’s railway sector.

Massive Budgetary Boost and Investments

The minister emphasized that the current allocation marks a 12.5-fold increase from the Rs.838 crore allocated during the 2009-2014 period. Over the past three years, Odisha has consistently received more than Rs.10,000 crore annually for railway development, contributing to a cumulative investment of Rs.78,000 crore in the state’s railway sector. Additionally, projects worth Rs.20,000 crore have been sanctioned during the current government’s tenure.

Key Highlights of Rail Budget 2025 for Odisha

  1. Electrification and New Tracks: Odisha’s railway electrification has increased 4.5 times, with 138 km of track electrified between 2014-2025, compared to just 29 km in the previous period. The state has achieved 100 percent electrification, covering 1,516 km of railway lines. Since 2014, over 2,046 km of new tracks have been constructed—surpassing Malaysia’s entire rail network in scale.
  2. Station Development: Rs.2,379 crore has been allocated for the development of 59 railway stations, including major hubs like Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Sambalpur, and Rourkela. These stations will be equipped with modern passenger amenities to enhance commuter experience.
  3. Enhanced Railway Safety: The Kavach safety system has been sanctioned for 1,898 km of railway tracks, with ongoing work and tendering for 645 km. Additionally, 1,000 locomotives will be integrated with Kavach to enhance safety measures.
  4. Infrastructure Upgrades: Since 2014, 522 rail flyovers and under-bridges have been constructed, along with the installation of 43 lifts, 18 escalators, and Wi-Fi facilities at 234 stations to improve passenger convenience.
  5. Introduction of New Trains: Six Vande Bharat trains are now operational in Odisha, connecting 17 districts with 25 unique stoppages and offering modern, high-speed travel. A new Amrit Bharat Express will run between Malda Town and Bengaluru, improving connectivity across five states.
  6. Multi-Tracking Expansion: The multi-tracking project from Kolkata to Chennai is progressing rapidly, with significant work completed between Kolkata and Bhadrak. Third-line work is underway, while planning for a fourth line is in progress.

Government’s Commitment to Odisha’s Railway Growth

Expressing his gratitude to the Prime Minister, Finance Minister, and Odisha’s Chief Minister, Vaishnaw lauded the role of the “Double Engine Government” model in driving large-scale railway infrastructure development. He reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening Odisha’s railway connectivity, boosting regional economic growth, and enhancing passenger safety and convenience.

The Rail Budget 2025 underscores a strategic push to make Odisha a key player in India’s railway network, ensuring sustainable and modernized transport facilities for the state’s citizens.

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