Centre approved three major projects in Odisha worth Rs 7,221 cr, committee chaired by Prime Minister Modi
BHUBANESWAR: Three major multi-tracking projects in Odisha, involving an investment of Rs 7,221 crore, were approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday.
The three projects are part of four multi-tracking projects approved by the CCEA at a total estimated cost of Rs 9,450 crore. They cover key railway routes connecting Cuttack-Paradip, Bhadrak-Haridaspur and Kharagpur-Bhadrak (Ranital).The proposed construction of third and fourth lines along the 73-km Cuttack-Paradip stretch has been estimated to cost Rs 2,286 crore. The addition of a fourth line between Bhadrak and Haridaspur will cost Rs 1,583 crore, while the fourth line between Kharagpur and Bhadrak (Ranital) has been pegged at Rs 3,352 crore.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, in his post-Cabinet briefing, said the projects would enhance mobility, improve operational efficiency and strengthen service reliability in Odisha.“The projects are planned on PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan with focus on enhancing multi-modal connectivity and logistic efficiency through integrated planning and stakeholder consultations,” he said.
Vaishnaw said the capacity augmentation would also improve rail connectivity to several prominent tourist destinations in the state, including Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhitarkanika National Park, Maa Bhadrakali Temple, Maa Dhamarai Temple, Panchalingeswar Temple, Talsari-Udaypur and Chandipur beaches, Gada Kujanga Jagannath Temple, Sarala Temple, Dhabaleswar Temple and Lalitgiri, a major Buddhist site. The projects are also considered crucial for the movement of key commodities such as coal, iron ore, cement, iron and steel, containers, automobiles and foodgrains. The capacity augmentation is expected to facilitate additional freight traffic of around 76 million tonne per annum.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vaishnaw for the approval, describing it as a “transformative step” for Odisha’s rail I am particularly heartened that this capacity augmentation will strengthen the movement of key commodities, including coal, iron ore, cement, steel and foodgrains – commodities vital to Odisha’s economy – while also enhancing access to cherished tourism destinations. This will give a fresh impetus to tourism, pilgrimage and local livelihoods across the region,” the CM said.
He said the investment reflected the Centre’s continued commitment to Odisha’s development under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
“On behalf of the people and Government of Odisha, I extend my sincere thanks for this signifiinvestment in our state’s rail infrastructure and future growth,” Majhi said.