Bhubaneswar: President Droupadi Murmu will dedicate two major railway infrastructure projects worth more than Rs 732 crore to the nation at Rairangpur on June 20 in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The projects, developed under the jurisdiction of East Coast Railway, are expected to significantly improve railway capacity, operational efficiency, freight movement and regional connectivity across Odisha.

Rs 732-crore rail infrastructure boost set to enhance connectivity

According to railway officials, the projects will enhance line capacity on key rail corridors, reduce congestion, improve train punctuality and support the state's growing industrial and economic activities.

One of the projects to be dedicated is the Jakhapura–Jajpur Keonjhar Road–Baitarani Road Multi-tracking Project, completed at a cost of Rs 323 crore. The 19-km project forms part of the larger Bhadrak–Nergundi Multi-tracking Project and is aimed at easing congestion on the busy Howrah–Chennai main line.

The additional track infrastructure is expected to facilitate faster movement of passenger and freight trains while ensuring seamless transportation of coal and other bulk commodities. Officials said the project would strengthen logistics support for ports, industries and commercial centres in the region.

The second project, the Hindol Road–Meramandali Multi-tracking Project, has been completed at a cost of ₹409 crore over a stretch of 27 km. It is part of the Budhapank–Salegaon Multi-tracking Project and is designed to improve train handling capacity and eliminate operational bottlenecks.

The project is expected to support the smooth movement of coal, steel, power-sector inputs and other industrial commodities, providing a major boost to industrial logistics in Odisha.

Railway authorities said the enhanced capacity created through the two projects would allow the operation of more passenger and freight services, improve connectivity and contribute significantly to the state's economic growth.

The dedication of the projects forms part of a series of development initiatives being launched during the joint visit of the President and the Prime Minister to Odisha. Officials said the projects reflect the Centre's commitment to building modern, efficient and future-ready railway infrastructure and advancing the vision of a "Viksit Odisha" and "Viksit Bharat."

With improved freight corridors and increased rail capacity, the projects are expected to play a key role in supporting Odisha's industrial expansion and strengthening its position as a major logistics and manufacturing hub in eastern India.