Odisha gets new Boinda–Boudh–Khurda rail link; Centre announces Rs 90,000 crore investments

The Union government has announced a new strategic railway line connecting Boinda in Angul district to the Balangir–Khurda corridor via Boudh, spanning about 80 km, as part of its push to expand the railway network in Odisha.

This was announced after a high-level meeting held between Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw after talks with Odisha MPs on Tuesday.

According to reports by The Times of India, the proposed line is projected to strengthen links between coal-producing regions and port areas.

Rs 90,000 Crore Investment In 11 Years

Sources said that the centre has sanctioned nearly Rs 90,000 crore for new lines, doubling, and capacity enhancement projects over the past decade for the state.

Earlier reports have added that as many as 59 railway stations in Odisha are undergoing modernisation under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme at an estimated cost of Rs 2,379 crore. 

The redevelopment works include improved station access, elevated approach roads, upgraded circulating areas, modern waiting halls, escalators, lifts, Divyangjan-friendly facilities, better passenger information systems, and commercial spaces.

In addition, Odisha has been sanctioned over Rs 25,000 crore in the last year alone for eight new railway projects, along with large-scale multi-tracking and flyover works designed to decongest routes and strengthen freight as well as passenger movement.

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Boudh’s First-Ever Rail Link Inaugurated In June

The focus on Boudh comes just months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sonepur–Purunakatak line on June 20, connecting the district headquarters to the national rail network for the first time.

The launch, part of projects worth over Rs 2,750 crore, marked a milestone in Odisha’s connectivity drive and fulfilled a long-pending regional demand.