THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 9, 2026

Odisha is set to get a major boost in rail connectivity and freight movement as the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved three multitracking projects worth Rs 10,783 crore covering 14 districts across West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

The three projects — Kharagpur-Jharsuguda (Bagdehi) fourth line, Katni-Pendra Road fourth line and Bilaspur (Uslapur)-Pendra Road third line — will add about 656 km to the existing Indian Railways network and are scheduled for completion by 2029-30.

The projects are expected to significantly enhance rail capacity, improve operational efficiency and service reliability, while easing congestion on key routes.

The Centre said the capacity augmentation would provide seamless connectivity for the movement of people, goods and services and is aligned with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, with a focus on integrated planning, multimodal connectivity and improved logistics efficiency.

The projects will benefit around 4,790 villages with a combined population of about 56 lakh across the five states. In Odisha, the enhanced rail infrastructure is expected to strengthen connectivity and facilitate movement of passengers and freight, particularly along important industrial and mineral corridors.

The upgraded network will also improve rail access to a number of prominent tourist and religious destinations, including Taratarini Temple, Shri Khetra Jagannath Temple, the ancient temple near Jharsuguda, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Virateshwar Temple, Amarkantak Temple, Jwaleshwar Dham, Achanakmar Tiger Reserve, Khutaghat Dam, Malhar Archaeological Site and Ratanpur Mahamaya Temple.

The routes covered by the projects are also important for the transportation of key commodities such as coal, cement, iron and steel, among others. The capacity augmentation is expected to generate additional freight traffic of about 27 million tonnes per annum.

According to the government, greater reliance on railways, an energy-efficient and environment-friendly mode of transport, will help reduce the country's logistics costs while contributing to climate goals.

The projects are estimated to help save around 12 crore litres of oil and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 62 crore kg, equivalent to the environmental benefit of planting about 2.48 crore trees.

The government said the projects are in line with the Prime Minister's vision of a 'New India' and are expected to promote comprehensive regional development, creating greater employment and self-employment opportunities and helping people in the covered areas become more self-reliant.