Odisha to Get Better Rail Connectivity as 7 High-Density Routes Expand

The Union Cabinet has approved the expansion and upgrading of seven high-density railway routes, a move expected to improve rail connectivity in Odisha and several other states.
The projects will involve adding or upgrading around 656 km of railway lines at an estimated cost of ₹10,783 crore. The expansion is aimed at increasing railway capacity, reducing congestion and ensuring smoother movement of both passenger and freight trains.

In Odisha, the Kharagpur–Jharsuguda section, including the stretch up to Bagdehi, will receive an additional fourth line. The multi-tracking project is expected to ease pressure on one of the region’s important railway corridors and improve train operations.
The projects will benefit 14 districts across Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, connecting nearly 4,790 villages with improved rail infrastructure and benefiting around 56 lakh people.
The enhanced network is also expected to strengthen connectivity to important tourism and religious destinations in Odisha, including Puri’s Jagannath Temple and Taratarini Temple. Better rail access could boost tourism, local businesses and regional economic activity.

Overall, the expansion is expected to provide additional capacity for freight movement, reduce train congestion and make rail travel more efficient across the region.