PM lays foundation for ECoR’s Rayagada division bldng | Bhubaneswar News
Rayagada: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday laid the foundation stone for the Rayagada railway division building via video conferencing.
The new division under East Coast Railway (ECoR) aims to enhance connectivity, fostering tourism, business and employment opportunities in southern Odisha, which has a substantial tribal population. PM Modi highlighted Odisha’s potential as a hub for international trade, citing its vast natural resources and extensive coastline. He also underscored ongoing railway projects in the state worth over Rs 70,000 crore and the establishment of seven Gati Shakti cargo terminals to boost trade and industry.
“Odisha is at the forefront of India’s development journey. Rayagada railway division will play a crucial role in enhancing connectivity and driving economic growth in the region,” said Modi.
He also outlined broader advancements in railways, noting that since 2025, the Metro rail network has expanded to over 1,000 km. Modi spoke of modern rail corridors, such as the dedicated freight corridor, which are easing pressure on existing tracks and paving the way for high-speed rail systems.
“The transformation of Indian Railways is evident,” he said, referencing the introduction of ‘Made in India’ coaches, redeveloped stations equipped with solar panels, and ‘One station, One product’ stalls. These initiatives, he added, are creating millions of jobs across railways and ancillary industries.
The event was attended in the state by governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, chief minister Mohan Majhi, minister of state for railways and food processing industries Ravneet Singh, and MPs from Koraput, Berhampur, Nabarangpur and Kalahandi, along with other officials.
CM Majhi commended the Union govt for allocating Rs 10,586 crore for the state’s railway development, a marked increase from previous allocations. “A robust railway network will support the Rs 1.50 lakh crore industrial investments planned for Rayagada district,” he said, adding that the Rayagada division will drive employment and infrastructure growth in southern Odisha.
Koraput MP Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka urged the govt to expedite the project. “Rayagada railway division was announced in the 2017-18 budget, but it took six years to reach the foundation stone-laying stage. An officer-on-special duty (OSD) should be appointed immediately to ensure its timely progress,” he said.
The new division under East Coast Railway (ECoR) aims to enhance connectivity, fostering tourism, business and employment opportunities in southern Odisha, which has a substantial tribal population. PM Modi highlighted Odisha’s potential as a hub for international trade, citing its vast natural resources and extensive coastline. He also underscored ongoing railway projects in the state worth over Rs 70,000 crore and the establishment of seven Gati Shakti cargo terminals to boost trade and industry.
“Odisha is at the forefront of India’s development journey. Rayagada railway division will play a crucial role in enhancing connectivity and driving economic growth in the region,” said Modi.
He also outlined broader advancements in railways, noting that since 2025, the Metro rail network has expanded to over 1,000 km. Modi spoke of modern rail corridors, such as the dedicated freight corridor, which are easing pressure on existing tracks and paving the way for high-speed rail systems.
“The transformation of Indian Railways is evident,” he said, referencing the introduction of ‘Made in India’ coaches, redeveloped stations equipped with solar panels, and ‘One station, One product’ stalls. These initiatives, he added, are creating millions of jobs across railways and ancillary industries.
The event was attended in the state by governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, chief minister Mohan Majhi, minister of state for railways and food processing industries Ravneet Singh, and MPs from Koraput, Berhampur, Nabarangpur and Kalahandi, along with other officials.
CM Majhi commended the Union govt for allocating Rs 10,586 crore for the state’s railway development, a marked increase from previous allocations. “A robust railway network will support the Rs 1.50 lakh crore industrial investments planned for Rayagada district,” he said, adding that the Rayagada division will drive employment and infrastructure growth in southern Odisha.
Koraput MP Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka urged the govt to expedite the project. “Rayagada railway division was announced in the 2017-18 budget, but it took six years to reach the foundation stone-laying stage. An officer-on-special duty (OSD) should be appointed immediately to ensure its timely progress,” he said.
