92 overbridges, Khurda Road railway line among key multi-billion railway projects underway in Odisha

The railway infrastructure in Odisha is set for a major boost with multiple large-scale projects moving ahead simultaneously. The projects include the Centre’s decision to fully fund 92 railway overbridges across the state and the Rs 501-crore third line project between Khurda Road and Gangadharpur under the East Coast Railway (ECoR).

In a significant policy shift, the Ministry of Railways approved the construction of 92 railway overbridges (ROBs) in Odisha, with the entire cost now to be borne by the Centre. The move comes following a formal request from the state government and replaces the earlier 50:50 cost-sharing model between the Centre and the state, informed CM Majhi on Thursday.

According to official sources, the approved overbridges include 35 in Khurda, 21 in Ganjam, 13 in Jajpur, 10 in Cuttack, three in Bhadrak, two each in Dhenkanal, Jagatsinghpur, Rayagada, and Angul, and one in Bargarh.

Rs 501 Crore Third Line Project

Parallel to the overbridge programme, the Indian Railways has floated a tender worth Rs 501 crore for constructing a third line between Khurda Road and Gangadharpur, spanning 58 km.

The project falls under the East Coast Railway jurisdiction and forms an important segment of the 363-km Khurda Road–Vizianagaram third line, part of the busy Howrah–Chennai mainline, which is one of India’s busiest rail corridors for both passengers and freight.

The proposed works include civil and electrical construction, formation of roadbeds, construction of major and minor bridges, road underbridges, and associated infrastructure. It also encompasses signalling, electrification, and relocation of high- and low-tension power lines. The tender process will close on December 17, and completion is targeted within 30 months from the award date.

Parallel Rail Expansion Across Regions

Beyond the coastal stretch, several other railway projects are progressing across northern and southern Odisha. In Mayurbhanj district, land acquisition has begun for the Budhamara–Chakulia broad-gauge line, the first phase of which covers about 16.2 km across 23 villages in Sarashkana and Bangiriposi tehsils.

The Budhamara–Chakulia project is one of three new railway lines whose foundation stones were laid by President Droupadi Murmu in December 2024, along with the Badampahar–Keonjhar (82.06 km) and Bangiriposi–Gorumahisani (85.6 km) stretches, together valued at over Rs 6,000 crore.

In southern Odisha, land acquisition for the Jeypore–Malkangiri railway line is also in progress, with compensation of Rs 2.45 crore already disbursed to 39 beneficiaries in Mathili and Khairput blocks. Authorities plan to complete the remaining payments by December 2025, allowing work to start early in 2026.

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Record Railway Investment In The State

The expansion drive is part of a broader effort by the Centre to modernise Odisha’s railway infrastructure. During a review meeting in New Delhi in September, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and state MPs discussed strategies to expedite land acquisition and construction of key lines.

According to ministry data, Odisha has received record railway budget allocations over the past 11 years, supporting the creation of new lines, double lines, and third/fourth lines with a cumulative investment of over RS 80,000 crore.