Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently highlighted major railway infrastructure and connectivity initiatives being undertaken across Odisha under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Vaishnaw announced the launch of the 18407/18408 Puri–Koraput–Puri Tri-Weekly Express, which will, for the first time, provide direct rail connectivity between Puri and large parts of western and southern Odisha. The train will run via Khurda Road, Bhubaneswar, Angul, Sambalpur, Bargarh Road, Bolangir, Titlagarh, Kesinga, Muniguda, Rayagada, Tikiri, Laxmipur Road, Kakiriguma and Damanjodi, benefiting passengers from coastal, western, and southern districts alike.

The Minister said the service is expected to significantly improve connectivity for pilgrimage, tourism, education, healthcare, employment, and business travel, particularly in the KBK region and tribal-dominated districts.

Highlighting Odisha’s railway growth, Vaishnaw stated that projects worth nearly ₹90,000 crore are currently underway across the state. Key projects include the Junagarh–Nabarangpur, Nabarangpur–Jeypore, Jeypore–Malkangiri, Bargarh–Nuapada, Gunupur–Therubali, Khurda Road–Balangir, and Bimlagarh–Talcher rail line projects. He added that the long-pending Khurda Road–Bolangir rail line project is progressing rapidly and is targeted for completion by 2027.

The minister also highlighted ongoing four-laning and capacity enhancement works on the Howrah–Chennai main railway corridor passing through Odisha. Once completed, the new lines and associated infrastructure works will allow the state to operate nearly 500 additional trains.

Vaishnaw further stated that 59 railway stations across Odisha are being redeveloped under the Amrit Station Scheme, including Bhubaneswar, Puri, Sambalpur, Berhampur, Talcher, and Baripada. He added that a fresh, detailed project report (DPR) is also being prepared for the proposed Puri–Konark rail connectivity project.

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Reiterating the Centre’s commitment to strengthening railway infrastructure in Odisha, Vaishnaw said these initiatives aim to ensure balanced regional development and improved connectivity across the state.