Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive in Odisha on June 20, 2025, to lay the foundation stone, inaugurate, and dedicate rail projects worth over Rs 2,750 crore, marking a significant milestone in the state’s infrastructure development.
This historic event coincides with the completion of 11 years of service and good governance under the Modi government, alongside one year of the Odisha government. The visit underscores the resolve to realise a ‘Viksit Bharat – Viksit Odisha’ through enhanced rail connectivity, economic growth, and social integration.
A centrepiece of the visit is the inauguration of the 73 km Sonepur-Purunakatak new rail line, constructed at a cost of Rs 1,376 crore. This line, part of the 301 km Khurda Road-Balangir railway project, connects Boudh district headquarters to the rail network for the first time, fulfilling a decades-old dream of locals. The line will provide direct rail connectivity between Sonepur and Purunakatak, facilitating access to the Bhairavi Temple at Purunakatak and strengthening socio-economic ties in the region.
The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for the 3rd and 4th rail lines between Sarla-Sason, easing traffic on the busy Jharsuguda-Sambalpur section and supporting industrial growth. Additionally, he will dedicate the 4th rail line between Jharsuguda-Jamga, a freight train maintenance facility at Sarla, a subway in the Bamra-Dharuadihi section, the Link C-Dumetra line, and a Road Over Bridge at Jaleswar. These projects will enhance logistics efficiency, operational capacity, and safety while promoting economic development.
New rail services will be launched, including the 18313/18314 Boudh-Bhubaneswar New-Boudh Weekly Express and the 18311/18312 Sambalpur-Boudh-Sambalpur Weekly Express. The Boudh-Bhubaneswar train will depart Boudh every Monday at 7:00 AM, reaching Bhubaneswar New at 6:15 PM, with the return journey leaving Bhubaneswar New at 11:00 PM and arriving in Boudh by 10:30 AM Tuesday. The Sambalpur-Boudh service will leave Sambalpur at 7:25 PM on Sundays, arriving in Boudh by 11:55 PM, with the return trip departing Boudh at 12:15 PM on Tuesdays and reaching Sambalpur by 5:30 PM. Additionally, the Bhubaneswar-Sonepur-Bhubaneswar Inter City Express and two pairs of Balangir-Sonepur Shuttle Passenger Trains will now originate from Purunakatak, improving affordability and connectivity.
Odisha’s rail network has seen remarkable progress over the past 11 years, achieving 100% electrification. Fifty-nine stations are being upgraded as Amrit stations with modern amenities, and 17 districts benefit from six Vande Bharat trains. These developments reflect the government’s commitment to modernising rail infrastructure and enhancing connectivity across the state.
This visit not only celebrates past achievements but also sets the stage for Odisha’s continued growth as a vital hub in India’s rail and economic landscape.
