Bhubaneswar: CM Mohan Charan Majhi, during his recent visit to Delhi, held discussions with Union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw regarding various railway projects in Odisha. The talks focused particularly on the construction of Joda-Barbil and Joda-Barasuan railway lines, which are crucial for the proposed industrial corridor in Barbil, Joda, and Keonjhar regions.
During the discussion, it was revealed that the ministry gave the green light to several major railway infrastructure projects in Odisha, marking a significant step towards the state’s economic development. The ministry sanctioned the final location survey for a new 250-km Gopalpur-Rayagada railway line and doubling of the Nuapada-Gunupur-Therubali route.
“These railway projects will significantly boost development and create substantial employment opportunities in the state,” said Majhi, expressing gratitude to the Prime Minister and the railway minister for their support.
Vaishnaw revealed during the discussion that projects worth Rs 73,000 crore are currently under implementation in Odisha. Since 2014, the state saw the construction of 2,046 km of new railway lines, surpassing Malaysia’s entire railway network.
The development plan includes six operational Vande Bharat trains, 59 Amrit stations, including 16 in aspirational districts, the foundation for the Rayagada division, and a focus on tribal and aspirational districts.