Odisha Sees Major Rail Push as ₹90,000 Crore Projects Gather Pace

Odisha is witnessing a major expansion in railway infrastructure, with projects worth more than ₹90,000 crore currently under execution, Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said during a visit to Bhubaneswar on April 19, 2026. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of India’s first advanced 3D glass semiconductor packaging unit in the city, the minister said the scale of investment reflects the Centre’s push to strengthen both passenger and freight connectivity across the state.

During the visit, Vaishnaw also reviewed the ongoing redevelopment of Bhubaneswar Railway Station and stressed the need for timely completion and high-quality execution. He said the upgraded station is being designed to offer better passenger comfort and modern amenities, in line with Indian Railways’ broader effort to turn key stations into world-class transport hubs.

The minister said Odisha has received a record railway budget allocation of ₹10,928 crore, a level of funding aimed at accelerating project execution across the state. He added that 59 stations in Odisha have entered the modernisation phase under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, which focuses on upgrading railway stations into more efficient and passenger-friendly facilities.

Vaishnaw also highlighted the government’s goal of extending rail connectivity to all 30 districts of Odisha. According to him, the effort is intended to promote inclusive development by linking remote and interior regions more closely with the mainstream rail network and opening up wider economic opportunities.

Among the major projects outlined was the proposed four-line coastal rail corridor from Balasore to Berhampur. The minister said the project is expected to significantly boost line capacity along Odisha’s coast, easing congestion while improving both passenger movement and freight transportation. He added that such large-scale investments would strengthen regional mobility and support faster economic growth.

Overall, the railway push underway in Odisha signals one of the state’s biggest infrastructure build-outs in recent years, with station redevelopment, budget support, wider district connectivity and high-capacity corridor planning all moving in parallel. According to the Railways Ministry, these initiatives are expected to integrate Odisha more strongly with national passenger and freight networks