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.

Key points

• 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 infrastructure.
• The proposed construction of third and fourth lines along the 73-km Cuttack-Paradip stretch has been estimated to cost Rs 2, 286 crore.
• He remarked the investment reflected the Centre's continued commitment to Odisha's development under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
• Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, in his post-Cabinet briefing, remarked 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 remarked.

For context, 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).

Meanwhile, the proposed construction of third and fourth lines along the 73-km Cuttack-Paradip stretch has been estimated to cost Rs 2, 286 crore. While the fourth line between Kharagpur and Bhadrak (Ranital) has been pegged at Rs 3, 352 crore, the addition of a fourth line between Bhadrak and Haridaspur will cost Rs 1, 583 crore.

Vaishnaw remarked the capacity augmentation would additionally improve rail connectivity to a number of 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.

Notably, the projects are additionally 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 projected to facilitate further freight traffic of around 76 million tonne per annum.

In a letter to Vaishnaw, Majhi remarked the capacity augmentation would assist decongest critical freight and passenger corridors while improving connectivity to the state's coastal and industrial districts.

"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 additionally enhancing access to cherished tourism destinations. This will offer a fresh impetus to tourism, pilgrimage and local livelihoods throughout the region, " the CM noted.

"On behalf of the people and Government of Odisha, I extend my sincere thanks for this significant investment in our state's rail infrastructure and future growth, " Majhi remarked.

For now, centre approved three major projects in Odisha worth Rs 7, 221 cr, committee remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.