The Ministry of Railways has officially approved a new broad-gauge railway line in Odisha’s Rayagada district. This project will connect the Sijimali and Kutrumali bauxite mines to the Tikiri railway station. The government has given this project the status of a Special Railway Project to speed up the work.
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What are the key details of this project?
The project covers a total distance of 49 kilometers and will be developed using the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The estimated cost for this infrastructure is around ₹1146 crore. The East Coast Railway is overseeing the execution, and an MoU was signed with the Odisha government on April 16, 2026, to fast-track land acquisition and clearances.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Length | 49 Kilometers |
| Estimated Cost | ₹1146 Crore |
| Route | Sijimali/Kutrumali to Tikiri |
| Project Model | PPP (Public Private Partnership) |
| Gauge Type | Broad Gauge |
| Land Acquisition | Estimated 1 Year |
| Construction Time | Estimated 2 Years |
How will this project impact the region?
This new line will make the transport of bauxite much faster and cheaper, which will reduce overall logistics costs. Officials expect it to create new local jobs and bring more industrial investment to the Rayagada district. While the project aims to strengthen the national industrial supply chain, some tribal communities and activists have raised concerns regarding displacement and environmental damage in the Sijimali hills.