Bhubaneswar: Commerce & Transport, Steel & Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena on Saturday said the Odisha government remains committed to transforming the state’s railway infrastructure and strengthening connectivity across regions.
In a post on X, the minister stated that efforts are underway to upgrade the railway network to world-class standards while safeguarding the state’s interests.
He highlighted that more than Rs 93,000 crore is being invested in railway development in Odisha. He added that the annual budget allocation has consistently remained above Rs 10,000 crore over the past three years, marking a 13-fold increase compared to the 2009-14 period.
On the proposed Rayagada division, Jena said the long-pending project will become operational soon. He noted that the high-revenue KK Line, connecting Kottavalasa, Koraput, and Kirandul, will be part of this division, ensuring that the earnings of the East Coast Railway remain unaffected.
Addressing concerns over jurisdictional changes, the minister said no portion of Odisha’s railway track will be transferred to another state. He clarified that the Palasa–Ichchapuram section does not have major freight loading stations and, therefore, will not impact the state’s revenue.
Jena reiterated that protecting Odisha’s interests while expanding and modernising railway connectivity remains a key priority for the government.
