Dharmendra Pradhan Hails Rail Line Approval Under Purvodaya Mission
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the doubling of the 74 km Haridaspur–Paradip rail line in Odisha at an estimated cost of Rs 2,542 crore.
The project will be fully funded by the government and is expected to significantly enhance passenger and freight movement in the region.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan welcomed the decision, thanking PM Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
He described the move as a milestone under the Purvodaya mission, aimed at strengthening Odisha’s rail infrastructure and accelerating socio‑economic growth.
The doubling of the line is expected to remove bottlenecks, improve connectivity between industrial and mineral‑rich areas and Paradip Port, and boost cargo handling capacity.
Paradip Port, a key hub for import‑export and coastal trade, is set to benefit from faster logistics, increased efficiency, and large‑scale employment opportunities.
Officials emphasised that the project will not only improve rail capacity but also contribute to Odisha’s broader development goals, positioning Paradip Port as a major commercial hub in eastern India.
