PM Modi to lay foundation, dedicate railway projects worth over Rs 85,000 cr: ECoR

Bhubaneswar: In a major boost to the Railways’ infrastructure and connectivity, the Prime Minister on Tuesday, March 12th, 2024, will lay the foundation stone, dedicate various railway projects worth over 85,000 Crores including projects in Odisha. Prime Minister will hold these functions at 764 locations across India. In a Press Conference, ECoR Additional General Manager, Mohesh Kumar Behera informed about the inauguration, dedication of projects and flagging off of trains.

During the occasion, the Prime Minister will dedicate and lay the foundation stone for 274 railway projects in Odisha. These projects include 162 Electronic Interlocking systems, 41 One Station One Product (OSOP) stalls, 50 Solar power stations, 5 Goods Sheds, 9 new line, doubling & 3rd line projects, 4 Auto signalling systems, 1 GatiSakthi terminal, 1 Jan Ausadhi Kendra and 1 Rail coach restaurant.

Prime Minister will flag off the 3^rd Vande Bharat Express for the people of Odisha. The 3^rd Vande Bharat Express will run between Visakhapatnam & Bhubaneswar. This train will run 6 days in a week except Saturdays.

Prime Minister will dedicate 9 new lines, doubling & 3rd line projects.

These projects are:

1. Rs.234 crores, Haridaspur-Byree(16.8 Kms.) of Bhadrak-Nergundi 3rd Line section,
2. Rs.131 crores, Damanjodi-Baiguda (14.6 Kms.) of Korapur-Raigada doubling section,
3. Rs.167 crore. Singapur Road-Rayagada (9.2 Kms.) of Vijianagam-Titlagarh 3rd Line,
4. Rs.123 crore Similiguda-Araku-Gorapur (21.6 Kms.) of Kotavlasa-Koraput doubling section,
5. Rs.47 crore Kota-Boddavara (7.3Kms) section of Kotavalasa-Koraput doubling,
6. Rs.550 crore Jharsuguda-Jamaga (53 Kms) of Bilaspur-Jharsuguda 4th line section,
7. Rs.61.73 crore Link B-Link C Bondamunda of (Bondamunda-Ranchi doubling section,
8. Rs.129.95 crore Nawagaon-Orga (6.8 Kms) of Ranchi-Bondamunda doubling section
9. Rs.36.12 crore Ranital-Ranital (L) 4th Line (3 Kms) of Narayangarh-Bhadrak 4th Line section.

The “One Station One Product” (OSOP) scheme aims to promote the ‘Vocal for Local’ vision of the Government of India, provide a market for local/indigenous products and create additional income opportunities for the marginalized sections of the society. This scheme aims to provide enhanced opportunities for livelihood to local artisans, weavers /handloom weavers, craftsmen etc, through the provision of sale outlets at railway stations across the Country.

The automatic Signalling will increase line capacity to run more trains on existing High Density Routes of Indian Railways, Automatic Block Signaling is a cost-effective solution.

Rail coach restaurants provide a unique dining ambience to the passengers. The Rail Coach restaurant aims to cater to the needs of passengers and the public. This initiative of the Indian Railway is also expected to create employment for both skilled and unskilled workers

Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) to enhance wellness and welfare welfare of passengers visiting railway stations. To make available quality medicines and consumables (Janaushadhi products) to all at affordable prices. To enable passengers/visitors at railway stations to easily access Janaushadhi products. Create employment opportunities and generate avenues for entrepreneurs to open PMBJKs.

Solar Power Stations in Railways is committed to utilising solar energy to meet its traction power requirement and become a complete ‘Green mode of transportation’ and utilize vacant railway land for Renewable Energy (RE) projects.