Talcher–Bimalagarh Rail Project: Odisha Pushes for Fast-Track Land Acquisition
Bhubaneswar: The long‑pending Talcher–Bimalagarh broad‑gauge railway line, sanctioned in 2003–04, has taken a step forward as Odisha’s Revenue Department directed officials to expedite land acquisition.
At a high‑level review meeting chaired by Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue & Disaster Management), officials were urged to resolve compensation disputes and transfer remaining land to the Railways without delay.
Out of the 2,144.028 acres required, 1,868.357 acres have already been acquired.
The balance includes 202.15 acres of private land, 13.7 acres of forest land, and 59.821 acres of government land.
Stage‑I forest clearance is in progress, while alienation of government land is being processed.
The project, spanning Anugola, Debagada, and Sundaragada districts, is expected to transform connectivity and economic prospects in backward regions.
Officials emphasised that “public interest must come first” and assured inter‑departmental coordination to unlock the project.
If completed, the 149.78 km line will boost trade, mobility, and regional development, ending a two‑decade wait for progress.
