Bhubaneswar: Revenue & Disaster Management Department Additional Chief Secretary Arabinda Kumar Padhee today reviewed the progress of the proposed Fourth Railway Line project between Haridaspur in Odisha and Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh.

The review meeting held detailed discussions on land acquisition and revenue-related issues concerning the project (440.16 km).

Padhee emphasized that the interests of affected people must be accorded top priority and directed officials to ensure proper rehabilitation and resettlement of all displaced families.

The project, proposed at an estimated cost of Rs 7,683.79 crore, will be implemented under the East Coast Railway. It is expected to significantly enhance rail traffic capacity along the heavily congested Howrah–Chennai rail corridor, facilitate freight transportation and improve the punctuality of passenger train services.

The project will provide substantial benefits to Odisha’s mining and industrial sectors by enabling smoother transportation of key mineral and industrial commodities such as coal, iron ore, bauxite, steel and aluminium. It will also strengthen connectivity with major ports including Dhamra, Paradip, and Gopalpur, thereby accelerating industrialization and economic growth in the state.

In Odisha, the project requires acquisition of altogether 102.644 hectares of land across Jajpur, Khordha and Ganjam districts. Of this, 44.576 hectares are located in Khordha district and 55.462 hectares in Ganjam district. The project is expected to affect approximately 452 households in the state, including 136 households in Khordha and 316 households in Ganjam.

The meeting, held at Lok Seva Bhawan in the capital city here, focused on the early disposal of land acquisition cases, determination and disbursement of compensation, forest land clearance processes and expediting rehabilitation measures in accordance with government guidelines. The Additional Chief Secretary put emphasis on close coordination among the district administrations, the Revenue & Disaster Management Department and the Forest & Environment Department to facilitate seamless land transfer while safeguarding the interests of affected families.

The meeting observed that upon completion, the project will substantially enhance railway transportation capacity and make a significant contribution to the state’s industrial development, trade, tourism, and employment generation.