East Coast Railway advances construction of the new Jeypore to Nabarangpur rail line

The East Coast Railway is actively progressing with the construction of a brand new 44.14-kilometer broad-gauge railway line connecting Jeypore in the Koraput district to Nabarangpur. This landmark infrastructure initiative aims to introduce direct rail connectivity to the Nabarangpur region for the very first time, fulfilling a long-standing aspiration of local residents and boosting regional development.

Here are the key highlights of the Jeypore-Nabarangpur railway project:
• The total estimated cost of the project is ₹747.91 crore.
• A major tender valued at ₹538.99 crore was invited by the East Coast Railway for design, construction, track laying, electrification, and road bridges between Ambaguda and Nabarangpur.
• The project is a joint venture between the Government of Odisha and Indian Railways, with the state providing land free of cost and sharing 50 percent of construction costs while the Ministry of Railways funds the remaining 50 percent.
• Special impetus was added when the venture received Special Railway Project status on April 16, 2026, to fast-track land acquisition and clearances.
• Previous milestones include a formal Memorandum of Understanding signed following the acquisition of 145.643 acres of land.

Funding and Project Execution

The collaborative funding model between the Odisha state government and the Ministry of Railways ensures steady financial backing for this crucial route. With a tender worth ₹538.99 crore issued for the Ambaguda to Nabarangpur stretch, heavy civil engineering works including track laying, electrification, and the development of road bridges are moving forward swiftly. Additionally, initial bridge construction, including a major crossing over the Indravati River, is already underway under a previous ₹150 crore tender.

Expected Economic Impact

Union Minister for Railways Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw has noted that the final completion timeline depends on smooth land acquisition, utility shifting, and forest clearances. Once fully operational, this strategic rail link will act as a major catalyst for economic growth, seamless transportation, and enhanced commercial activities across the Nabarangpur and Koraput regions, securely integrating them into the broader national railway network.