New Delhi- In a significant step toward improving India’s railway infrastructure, the Union Cabinet has approved four major multitracking projects that will expand the Indian Railways network by approximately 574 kilometers. Among the states covered under these projects, Odisha stands to gain as part of a broader initiative that includes Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, and Jharkhand.
The projects, estimated to cost around Rs 11,169 crore, are expected to be completed by the fiscal year 2028–29. These developments are part of a national strategy to modernize transportation under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which emphasizes integrated planning and multi-modal connectivity.
This expansion will not only reduce congestion and improve operational efficiency on key railway routes but will also provide a substantial economic boost to the regions involved. Direct employment generation is projected to touch 2.29 crore human-days during the construction phase, offering livelihood support to a large section of the population across the 13 districts included in the plan.
The areas covered in Odisha and other states are home to over 2,300 villages, with a combined population of more than 43.6 lakh. Improved railway access to these regions is expected to catalyze local development by enhancing passenger and freight movement. The targeted routes are strategically vital for transporting coal, cement, clinker, fly ash, agricultural produce, petroleum products, and containers, contributing to both industrial growth and rural economy.
This capacity augmentation is projected to handle an additional freight volume of nearly 95.91 million tonnes annually. With Indian Railways already being one of the most energy-efficient and environmentally friendly transport systems, the added capacity will further support national climate goals. It is expected to reduce diesel imports by approximately 16 crore litres and cut down carbon emissions by over 515 crore kilograms — equivalent to the environmental impact of planting 20 crore trees.
For Odisha, the inclusion in this ambitious plan underscores its growing importance in India’s logistics and economic landscape. The new multitracking initiative offers a renewed opportunity for job creation, better mobility, and self-reliance, aligning closely with the vision of building a more connected and empowered India.
