Bargarh-Nuapada new railway line: As ECoR expedites land acquisition, details explained

The East Coast Railway (ECoR) is reportedly accelerating the land acquisition process for the 138.32 km Bargarh Road-Nuapada Road railway line via Padampur, a project announced in 2018 with an aim to enhance connectivity and stimulate regional development in Odisha.

Project Overview

The railway line has been designated as a special railway project with an estimated investment of Rs 2,621.92 crore. The funding includes significant financial support from the Odisha government, which has provided government land free of cost and a grant of Rs 300 crore to support the project. 

Land Acquisition Details

The project requires the acquisition of approximately 924.64 hectares of land, comprising 752.52 hectares of private land, 123.23 hectares of government land, and 48.91 hectares of forest land.

According to reports, land acquisition for the first section (Bargarh-Sarsara) is nearing completion, with notifications being issued for Bargarh and Nuapada districts. Moreover, retired revenue officers have been appointed to expedite the process.

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Current Progress

Sources stated that land acquisition notifications for the first block section between Bargarh and Sarsara, covering five villages under Bargarh tehsil, have been published. Additionally, verification of land schedules has been completed, and the tender for land acquisition is under finalization.

Physical possession of land is expected to commence shortly after completing legal formalities under the Railway Amendment Act.

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Strategic Importance

Once operational, the new rail line will provide an alternative, shorter route, bypassing the congested Jharsuguda-Bilaspur-Raipur circuit. As a result, it will reduce travel distance by 53 km compared to the Sambalpur-Jharsuguda-Raipur route and by 87 km compared to the existing Sambalpur-Titilagarh-Raipur route.

The line will also facilitate faster transportation of coal, iron ore, steel, cement, agro-based products, and other industrial goods, benefiting industries in Bargarh, Jharsuguda, Raipur, and Titilagarh.