Bhubaneswar, Sept. 10 (UDN): Odisha’s railway infrastructure is set for a major expansion after the Union Cabinet approved three multitracking projects covering 656 km across five states, including the proposed fourth line between Kharagpur and Jharsuguda.

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The projects, approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, involve an estimated investment of Rs 10,783 crore and are scheduled for completion by 2029-30.

The Kharagpur-Jharsuguda fourth line is expected to significantly increase rail capacity along one of the important routes linking Odisha with neighbouring states. The additional track is aimed at easing congestion and enabling smoother movement of both passenger and freight trains.

Rail capacity to expand across five states

The three projects will pass through 14 districts in Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Together, they are expected to strengthen rail connectivity to nearly 4,790 villages with a combined population of around 56 lakh.

The projects have been planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, with a focus on improving multimodal connectivity, reducing bottlenecks and making freight transportation more efficient.

Freight movement to get a major push

According to the Centre, the expanded network could facilitate an additional 27 million tonnes of freight movement every year. Key commodities expected to benefit include coal, cement, iron and steel.

The capacity enhancement is also expected to reduce dependence on road transportation, lower fuel consumption and help cut carbon emissions.

Several important tourist and pilgrimage destinations are also expected to gain from improved rail connectivity, including Taratarini Temple and the Jagannath temple area near Jharsuguda.

Railways seen as key to cutting logistics costs

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said strengthening the railway network would help bring down logistics costs and improve the competitiveness of Indian industries.

He stressed that rail transportation is significantly cheaper than highway transportation and considerably more environment-friendly, making continued investment in railway infrastructure important for both economic growth and India’s environmental targets.

With the latest approvals, Odisha is expected to see further expansion of its rail network, particularly along key freight corridors serving the state’s industrial and mineral-rich regions.