PM Modi to inaugurate and launch rail projects worth Rs 2,750 crore in Odisha

In a major boost to Odisha’s infrastructure and connectivity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the state on June 20, 2025, on the first anniversary of the BJP government. The visit marks the completion of 11 years of the Modi government’s governance and one year of the current Odisha government, aligning with the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat - Viksit Odisha’.

During his visit, the PM is scheduled to lay the foundation stone, inaugurate, and dedicate to the nation various railway projects worth more than Rs 2,750 crore.

A key highlight of the visit will be the inauguration of the new Sonepur–Purunakatak railway line, constructed at a cost of Rs 1,376 crore, connecting Boudh district headquarters to the railway network for the first time.

This milestone not only places Boudh on the rail map of India but also fulfills a long-pending dream of the local population. The new line will enhance connectivity to the sacred Bhairavi Temple in Purunakatak, facilitating both religious tourism and regional development.

Additionally, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for the third and fourth rail lines between Sarla and Sason, a critical step to decongest the Jharsuguda-Sambalpur rail section and catalyze industrial activity in the region.

Among the key projects to be dedicated to the nation are:

1. Fourth rail line between Jharsuguda and Jamga
2. Freight train maintenance facility at Sarla
3. Subway between Bamra and Dharuadihi
4. Doubling of the Link C–Dumetra section
5. Road Over Bridge at Jaleswar

These initiatives aim to strengthen freight movement, reduce operational bottlenecks, and enhance passenger safety and convenience.

On this occasion, the PM will also flag off new rail services for Odisha, including:

18313/18314 Boudh–Bhubaneswar New–Boudh Weekly Express

18311/18312 Sambalpur–Boudh–Sambalpur Weekly Express

The Boudh–Bhubaneswar Weekly Express will depart Boudh at 7:00 AM on Mondays and reach Bhubaneswar New by 6:15 PM, providing seamless connectivity via Balangir, Sambalpur, Angul, and Naraj. The return leg leaves Bhubaneswar New at 11:00 PM on Mondays, reaching Boudh at 10:30 AM the next day.

Similarly, the Sambalpur–Boudh Express will operate every Sunday night, ensuring better intra-state rail access for commuters and pilgrims alike.

Furthermore, the Bhubaneswar–Sonepur Intercity Express and two pairs of Balangir–Sonepur Shuttle Passenger Trains will now originate from Purunakatak, adding further rail links in the heart of Odisha.

In the last 11 years, rail development in Odisha has seen unprecedented growth:

1. 100% electrification of the rail network
2. 59 stations being upgraded as Amrit Stations
3. 17 districts served by 6 Vande Bharat trains

This ambitious rail push not only improves connectivity and travel experience but also aligns with the broader vision of modernising India’s rail infrastructure and ensuring inclusive growth for all regions, especially those previously underserved.