Indian Railways expands Odisha connectivity with a new rail line

Indian Railways is constructing a 138.32-kilometer electrified railway line in Odisha, linking Bargarh Road to Nawapada Road and improving regional connectivity.

The Indian Railways is building a 138.32-kilometer electrified broad gauge railway line in Odisha to connect Bargarh Road to Nawapada Road. This strategic project, approved by the Railway Board on September 10, 2024, seeks to strengthen connectivity, promote regional development, create jobs, and improve passenger and freight transportation.

The anticipated project cost is ₹2,621.92 crore, with allocations as follows: ₹2,107.30 crore for civil engineering, ₹305.55 crore for electrical engineering, and ₹209.07 crore for signal and telecom engineering. The Odisha government made substantial contributions by granting free land and a grant of ₹300 crore.

The project requires 924.64 hectares of land, including 752.524 hectares of private property, 123.233 hectares of government land, and 48.913 hectares of forest land, at a cost of around ₹364 crore. Acquisition activities are proceeding smoothly, with district officials in Bargarh and Nawapada duly established by gazette notices on October 15 and November 29, 2024.

The new railway line will shorten travel distances significantly, by 53 km compared to the Sambalpur-Jharsuguda-Raipur route and 87 km compared to the Sambalpur-Titilagarh-Raipur route. It will circumvent the crowded Jharsuguda-Bilaspur-Raipur route, providing a speedier transit option for passengers and freight.

The new railway route will have 13 stations, including two existing and 11 new ones. Existing stations include Bargarh Road and Nuapada Road, while new stations include Sarsara (6.495 km), Dumerpali (17.44 km), Bijepur (26.97 km), Badipali (40.185 km), Dhauramunda (58.925 km), Padampur (72.445 km), Bhagatpur (87.365 km), Majhipali (94.98 km), Paikmal Road (106.11 km), Bartunda (117.61 km), and Anlajuba (112.2 km). These stations are carefully positioned to promote connectivity and accessibility throughout the region, resulting in better passenger and freight travel.

This enormous project is anticipated to alter transport in Odisha, increasing accessibility and economic growth through improved freight movement. The Indian Railways, in conjunction with the Odisha government, is dedicated to completing this critical infrastructure project on time for the benefit of the region’s people.

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