Railway Minister Vaishnaw Highlights ₹90,000-Crore Projects To Boost Odisha Connectivity

On April 19, 2026, during his visit to Bhubaneswar, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized the Union government’s commitment to transforming Odisha’s railway infrastructure. He inspected ongoing works at Bhubaneswar Railway Station and reiterated the Centre’s focus on connectivity and capacity enhancement.

Project Details

The expansion involves ₹90,000 crore worth of projects currently under execution across Odisha. These include:

Redevelopment of 59 stations under the Amrit Bharat Scheme

A four-line coastal rail corridor connecting all 30 districts

Modernization of Bhubaneswar Railway Station with upgraded passenger amenities

Strategic Importance

The investment is expected to significantly boost passenger and freight capacity, improve regional connectivity, and support Odisha’s economic growth. Enhanced rail infrastructure will also facilitate industrial development, tourism, and faster movement of goods.

Budget Allocation

Odisha received a record ₹10,928 crore railway budget allocation this year, enabling faster execution of projects. Vaishnaw stressed that timely completion is a priority, with strict monitoring of progress.

Broader Impact

The expansion aligns with India’s national infrastructure goals, ensuring that Odisha becomes a key hub for rail logistics in eastern India. Improved connectivity will also benefit neighboring states and strengthen India’s overall railway network.

Key Highlights

•⁠  ⁠₹90,000 crore railway projects underway in Odisha

•⁠  ⁠Redevelopment of 59 stations under Amrit Bharat Scheme

•⁠  ⁠Four-line coastal corridor to connect all 30 districts

•⁠  ⁠Bhubaneswar Railway Station modernization inspected by minister

•⁠  ⁠Record ₹10,928 crore budget allocation for Odisha

Sources: Lokmat Times, NewKerala.com, The News Insight