The central government has allocated a record budget of ₹10,928 crore for railway development in Odisha for the fiscal year 2026-27. This amount is significantly higher than the average allocation seen between 2009 and 2014, which stood at roughly ₹838 crore. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed that projects worth ₹90,659 crore are currently moving forward across various districts, aiming to improve connectivity and infrastructure throughout the state.
What are the new train updates and future plans for Odisha?
Passengers in Odisha are now utilizing 6 pairs of Vande Bharat Express and 6 pairs of Amrit Bharat Express trains which are currently operational. Looking ahead, the government has started planning to include Odisha in the future high-speed bullet train network alongside the Varanasi-Howrah route. Additionally, the East-West Dedicated Freight Corridor connecting Dankuni in West Bengal to Surat will pass through the state, helping in the faster transport of coal and minerals.
How is the railway ensuring safety and station upgrades?
To prevent accidents involving elephants, the railways are installing the ‘Gajraj’ system which uses AI-based thermal cameras and optical fiber cables. The Railway Minister announced that this safety system will be active in elephant corridors within the next six months. Under the Amrit Station Scheme, 59 stations are being redeveloped with an investment of ₹2,439 crore, with work already completed at stations like Cuttack, Baripada, and Talcher.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Budget Allocation (2026-27) | ₹10,928 Crore |
| Total Ongoing Projects | ₹90,659 Crore |
| Vande Bharat Trains | 6 Pairs |
| Amrit Bharat Trains | 6 Pairs |
| New Rail Lines (Last 11 Years) | 2,200 km |
| Amrit Stations Planned | 59 Stations |
| Elephant Safety Target | Next 6 Months |