Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue & Disaster Management Department, chaired a review meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan on the Haridaspur–Vizianagaram Fourth Railway Line Project.
The 440.16 km line, spanning Haridaspur Junction–Nirgundi Junction and Cuttack Junction–Vizianagaram Junction, will serve as a vital rail link between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
The project, estimated at Rs 7,683.79 crore, will be implemented under East Coast Railway. It aims to enhance rail traffic capacity along the congested Howrah–Chennai corridor, improve punctuality of passenger services, and facilitate freight movement. Officials highlighted that the line will benefit Odisha’s mining and industrial sectors by enabling smoother transport of coal, iron ore, bauxite, steel, and aluminium. Connectivity with ports such as Dhamra, Paradip, and Gopalpur will also strengthen industrial growth.
In Odisha, the project requires the acquisition of 102.644 hectares of land across Jajpur, Khordha, and Ganjam districts. Of this, 44.576 hectares are in Khordha and 55.462 hectares in Ganjam. Approximately 452 households will be affected, including 136 in Khordha and 316 in Ganjam.
Dr Padhee directed officials to prioritise the interests of affected families, ensure proper rehabilitation, and expedite compensation disbursement. The meeting discussed forest clearance, land transfer, and coordination among district administrations, the Revenue Department, and the Forest & Environment Department.
Upon completion, the project will substantially boost railway capacity and contribute to Odisha’s industrial development, trade, tourism, and employment generation.
