Bhubaneswar(OT Webdesk): In a major push to modernise Odisha’s transport infrastructure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and dedicated railway projects worth over Rs 2,750 crore on Friday in Bhubaneswar.
The landmark event aligned with both the Centre’s celebration of 11 years in office and the BJP-led Odisha government’s first anniversary.
Among the highlights was the long-anticipated inauguration of the 73-km Sonepur–Purunakatak line, part of the Khurda Road–Balangir Rail Project, connecting Boudh district to the national rail map for the first time.
Simultaneously, the foundation stone was laid for the Sarla–Sason third and fourth rail lines to ease congestion in the Jharsuguda–Sambalpur corridor.
Two new weekly train services—Boudh–Bhubaneswar Express and Sambalpur–Boudh Express—were flagged off to boost regional accessibility and economic integration.
Several additional infrastructure initiatives were also unveiled, including a freight train maintenance facility in Sarla, a road over bridge at Jaleswar, and improved rail line segments under the Bondamunda–Ranchi doubling and Jharsuguda–Bilaspur corridors.
Officials emphasise that these upgrades will stimulate rural-urban economic linkages, streamline freight logistics, empower farmers with wider market access, and improve connectivity to healthcare and educational hubs in Bhubaneswar and Sambalpur.
Marking a turning point in Odisha’s development journey, the projects are expected to generate jobs, promote mobility, and further the vision of “Viksit Bharat – Viksit Odisha.”
