Bhubaneswar, Feb 3 (PTI) – The Union Government has earmarked ₹10,599 crore for the development of Odisha’s railway sector in the Union Budget for the financial year 2025-26, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Monday. This marks a marginal increase of ₹13 crore from the previous allocation of ₹10,586 crore in 2023-24.
Addressing a press conference virtually from New Delhi, Vaishnaw highlighted that Odisha has consistently received over ₹10,000 crore annually for railway development over the past three years, with a cumulative investment reaching ₹78,000 crore. Additionally, railway projects worth ₹20,000 crore have been sanctioned under the current government’s tenure.
Mixed Reactions to Budget Allocation
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed gratitude for the allocation, stating on social media platform X:"On behalf of the people of Odisha, I express my gratitude to the Honorable Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi, Union Finance Minister Smt @nsitharaman, and the Honorable Union Railway Minister Shri @AshwiniVaishnaw for providing ₹10,599 crore to Odisha in the Railway Budget 2025-26. This will accelerate railway development, improve infrastructure, and strengthen the state's economic condition, contributing to a ‘Developed Odisha’. #ViksitBharatBudget2025”
However, the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) criticized the BJP-led "double engine" government—where the same party governs both at the Centre and the state—alleging that Odisha has been overlooked in the budget.
Former MP and BJD leader Amar Patnaik accused the Centre of neglecting Odisha despite the state's significant contribution to Indian Railways' revenue.
"How does the state benefit from a double engine government? The allocation for Odisha has increased by just ₹13 crore, and the Union Budget did not even mention Odisha while huge funds were allocated to poll-bound Bihar. This budget is not an economic document but a political one," Patnaik said at a press conference.
He also pointed out that despite Odisha electing 20 BJP MPs, including three Union ministers, the state remains neglected, and BJP leaders have remained silent on the issue.
Expansion and Modernization of Odisha’s Rail Network
Meanwhile, the East Coast Railway issued a statement highlighting significant progress in Odisha's railway infrastructure under the current government.- Between 2014 and 2025, 186 km of new tracks have been laid—3.5 times the 53 km added in the previous period.
- Electrification has increased 4.5 times, with 138 km of electrified track added between 2014-2025, compared to 29 km previously.
- Over 2,046 km of new tracks have been constructed since 2014—surpassing the total rail network of Malaysia.
- Odisha has achieved 100% electrification, covering 1,516 km of tracks.
- Currently, 48 new track projects are in progress, spanning 4,784 km.
Key Budgetary Allocations and Safety Enhancements
The budget also includes ₹2,379 crore for the redevelopment of 59 railway stations across Odisha, covering major hubs like Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Sambalpur, and Rourkela.To enhance railway safety, the Kavach safety system has been sanctioned for 1,898 km of railway lines, with ongoing work and tendering for an additional 645 km. 1,000 locomotives will be integrated with this system for improved safety standards.
Since 2014, the railway infrastructure in Odisha has witnessed several upgrades:
- 522 rail flyovers and under-bridges have been constructed.
- 43 lifts and 18 escalators have been installed.
- Wi-Fi access has been enabled at 234 railway stations.
Introduction of Modern Trains and Multi-Tracking Projects
Odisha currently operates six Vande Bharat trains, connecting 17 districts and 25 unique stoppages, offering modern, high-speed travel. Additionally, the newly launched Amrit Bharat Express—running between Malda Town (West Bengal) and Bengaluru—connects five states, enhancing regional connectivity.The multi-tracking project from Kolkata to Chennai is progressing rapidly. Significant work has been completed between Kolkata and Bhadrak, and the third-line project is already in progress, with plans for a fourth track in the future.
While the ruling BJP hails the budget as a boost to Odisha’s railway infrastructure, the opposition remains critical, citing insufficient funds compared to the state's contribution to Indian Railways. The debate over railway allocations is likely to continue as Odisha gears up for the 2024 general elections.
Last updated by a enewsx: