THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, FEBRUARY 2, 2026

Odisha has emerged as a major beneficiary in the Union Railway Budget, securing an allocation of Rs 10,928 crore, a move that is set to significantly strengthen the state’s infrastructure and industrial prospects. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the allocation during a press meet, underscoring the Centre’s sustained focus on transforming Odisha into a key logistics and connectivity hub.

A major highlight of the budgetary push is the ambitious East-West Corridor, which will pass through Odisha and link the state with Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Gujarat. Describing it as a strategic game-changer, Vaishnaw said the corridor would dramatically improve connectivity and logistics efficiency, creating a strong foundation for industrial expansion. By enabling faster and more reliable movement of raw materials and finished goods, the corridor is expected to lower logistics costs and enhance Odisha’s attractiveness for both domestic and global investors.

The minister also drew attention to the scale of railway expansion achieved in Odisha over the past 11 years. During this period, the state has added around 2,200 kilometres of new railway tracks, a length that exceeds the entire railway network of Malaysia. This milestone, he noted, reflects the government’s long-term commitment to building robust transport infrastructure in the state and supporting its economic aspirations.

With improved rail connectivity cutting across regions and industrial clusters, the East-West Corridor is expected to act as a catalyst for manufacturing, mining, ports and allied sectors in Odisha. Enhanced rail links will not only facilitate smoother freight movement but also integrate the state more closely with national and western markets.

Industry observers believe the record railway allocation, coupled with the transformative corridor project, positions Odisha for accelerated industrial growth in the coming years. As railway infrastructure continues to expand at an unprecedented pace, Odisha is steadily strengthening its role as a critical node in India’s railway and logistics network, reinforcing its journey towards sustained economic development.