The PRAGATI platform, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has played a pivotal role in expediting key infrastructure projects across India, ensuring timely and efficient execution.
A prime example is the doubling of the Bhubaneswar-Delang-Puri railway line, which was completed under urgent directives to accommodate the massive influx of devotees during the 2015 Nabakalebara festival in Puri.
The 70-kilometre project was approved in March 2012 by the Ministry of Railways with a budget of Rs 1,650 crore. Aimed at enhancing connectivity to major religious and tourist sites in Khordha and Puri districts, the initiative gained urgency ahead of the Nabakalebara celebrations in July 2015. With an expected gathering of 50 lakh devotees to witness Lord Jagannath’s ritual, the project was critical for facilitating smooth pilgrim travel.
By mid-2015, the Bhubaneswar-Delang section (40 km) and the Delang-Sakhigopal section (13 km) had been doubled. However, the remaining 17 km Sakshigopal-Puri stretch faced delays, posing a significant challenge to operationalising the entire line before the festival. Completing the work on time became imperative to handle the surge in passengers.
Recognising the project’s importance, it was reviewed during a PRAGATI meeting on June 24, 2015. Prime Minister Modi directed the Ministry of Railways to prioritise and expedite all pending tasks, emphasising the festival’s national significance. Following the intervention, the project was accorded top priority, with executing agencies ramping up efforts and strengthening inter-departmental coordination.
The PRAGATI platform adopted a whole-of-government approach to ensure the festival’s success. It advised the Odisha state government to focus on security, drinking water supply, and sanitation. In anticipation of large crowds, railway infrastructure was bolstered accordingly. Beyond completion, PRAGATI emphasised knowledge sharing and institutional learning, deploying teams from Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh to study Odisha’s preparations for upcoming Kumbh Melas. This forward-thinking guidance set a benchmark for other states, fostering interstate coordination in managing large-scale religious events.
The doubled Bhubaneswar-Delang-Puri line successfully handled 50 to 60 lakh passengers during Nabakalebara 2015. Upgrading from a single to double line increased train and passenger capacity by 2 to 3 times, enabling trains to run every 10-15 minutes during peak hours. Indian Railways managed to transport lakhs of passengers daily, demonstrating enhanced efficiency.
The project not only met immediate festival needs but also delivered long-term benefits, including improved regional connectivity, boosted tourism, and stimulated economic activities. As a key pilgrimage route, it has made travel to one of India’s holiest sites more accessible, contributing to socio-economic development in the region.
