Bhubaneswar: President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi today dedicated two important railway projects worth over Rs 732 crore to the nation during an event at Rairangpur in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district.  

The two capacity enhancement projects developed under the East Coast Railway (ECoR) will significantly increase line capacity, reduce congestion and facilitate smoother movement of passenger as well as freight trains. These projects will further strengthen the railway network of Odisha and support the State’s growing industrial and economic activities, said the Indian Railways.

The Jakhapura – Jajpur Keonjhar Road – Baitarani Road Multi-tracking Project, executed at a cost of Rs 323 crore over a length of 19 km, has been developed as a part of the larger Bhadrak – Nergundi Multi-tracking Project. The project will enhance capacity on the heavily loaded Howrah–Chennai main line, reduce congestion, improve punctuality and ensure faster movement of passenger and freight trains, it added.

“The project will also facilitate seamless transportation of coal and other bulk commodities, providing stronger logistical support to nearby ports, industries and commercial centres, thereby contributing to the economic development of the region,” said the Railways.

Similarly, the Hindol Road – Meramandali Multi-tracking Project, completed at a cost of Rs 409 crore over a length of 27 km, forms part of the Budhapank – Salegaon Multi-tracking Project. The project will significantly increase train handling capacity, remove operational bottlenecks and support smooth movement of coal, steel, power-sector inputs and other industrial commodities, it added.

“The additional capacity created through these projects will enable operation of more passenger and freight trains, improve connectivity, strengthen industrial logistics and contribute significantly to the overall growth and development of Odisha. These projects reflect the Union Government’s continued commitment towards developing modern, efficient and future-ready railway infrastructure. The dedication of these projects marks another major step towards realising the vision of Viksit Odisha and Viksit Bharat,” stated the Railways.