In a significant boost to Odisha’s infrastructure, the Union Budget 2026-27 has allocated a record Rs 10,928 crore to the state’s railway sector, marking an increase from the previous year’s Rs 10,599 crore.
This allocation supports ongoing projects worth over Rs 90,659 crore, aiming to enhance connectivity, industrial growth, and environmental sustainability in the region.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed profound gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for this “visionary step” toward a “prosperous Odisha.”
In a post on X, Majhi highlighted the addition of 2,200 km of new rail lines over the past 11 years, the operation of six Vande Bharat and six Amrit Bharat trains, and the approval of the East-West Freight Corridor, which is expected to revolutionise industrial and commercial connectivity.
“This corridor will usher in a new era for Odisha’s industry and trade,” Majhi stated, emphasising the state’s commitment to collaborating with the central government for holistic development.
The budget also underscores innovative measures for wildlife conservation, particularly in elephant-prone areas. AI-based thermal cameras and optical fiber cables (OFC) will be deployed to prevent elephant deaths on railway tracks, balancing infrastructure expansion with environmental protection.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, during a press conference in Delhi, detailed state-wise priorities, noting that nearly 59 stations in Odisha, including Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Puri, are being modernised under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme with an investment of Rs 2,379 crore.
High-priority projects like the 301 km Khurda Road-Balangir line (with 226 km already operational) and the Talcher-Bimlagarh line for improved coal evacuation are set to receive continued funding.
The overall railway budget for India stands at Rs 2.78 lakh crore, with a focus on dedicated freight corridors (96.4% of the 2,843 km network commissioned as of October 2025) and near-complete electrification (99.1%).
For Odisha, this positions the state as a key logistics hub in eastern India, with enhanced port connectivity and multimodal transport options.
As Odisha gears up for this railway renaissance, the focus remains on timely execution to realise the vision of a connected and prosperous state.
ALSO READ: Odisha Gets Rs 10,928 Crore Allocation in Railway Budget
📊 Historic Budget Allocation
- The annual average budget has grown 13 times:
- 2009–14: Rs 838 Cr
- 2026–27: Rs 10,928 Cr
🏗️ Infrastructure Transformation
- Rs 90,659 Cr worth of work is currently in progress.
- Covers track creation, station redevelopment, and safety upgrades.
🚉 Amrit Station Scheme
- 59 stations identified for complete redevelopment.
- Investment: Rs 2,439 Cr.
- Works completed at 6 stations: Cuttack (2nd Entry), Baripada, Barpali, Bimlagarh, Parlakhemundi, Talcher.
🚄 Better Connectivity
- Premium train services expanded:
- 6 pairs of Vande Bharat Express are operational.
- 6 pairs of Amrit Bharat Express are operational.
🌐 Network Expansion & Electrification
- Since 2014: 2,200 km of tracks constructed (larger than Malaysia’s entire rail network).
- Achieved 100% electrification: 1,559 km electrified since 2014.
- Built 632 flyovers and underpasses.
- Kavach safety system:
- Work/tender in progress: 772 RKm
- Total sanctioned: 2,922 RKm
