PRAGATI Platform Fast-Tracks Bhubaneswar–Puri Rail Doubling for Nabakalebara 2015
The Bhubaneswar–Delang–Puri railway line doubling project stands as a landmark example of how Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s PRAGATI platform accelerated critical infrastructure delivery in Odisha.
Originally sanctioned in 2012 with a budget of Rs 1,650 crore, the 70Rs kilometre project gained urgency ahead of the Nabakalebara festival in July 2015, which was expected to draw nearly 50 lakh devotees to Puri.
By mid‑2015, the Bhubaneswar–Delang (40 km) and Delang–Sakhigopal (13 km) sections were completed, but delays in the final 17 km stretch threatened readiness before the festival.
Recognising the national significance of the event, the project was reviewed during a PRAGATI meeting on June 24, 2015. Prime Minister Modi directed the Ministry of Railways to expedite all pending tasks, ensuring inter‑departmental coordination and prioritisation.
The intervention proved decisive. The doubled line successfully managed 50–60 lakh passengers during Nabakalebara, with trains running every 10–15 minutes at peak hours.
Beyond immediate festival needs, the project delivered long‑term benefits: enhanced regional connectivity, boosted tourism, and stimulated local economic activity.
PRAGATI also encouraged knowledge sharing, with teams from other states studying Odisha’s preparations to strengthen interstate coordination for future mass religious gatherings.
This achievement highlights how a whole‑of‑government approach can transform infrastructure delivery, setting a benchmark for managing large‑scale events while driving socio‑economic growth in the region.
