The Central Government has granted approval for the doubling of the Paradeep-Haridaspur railway line, a significant initiative anticipated to enhance logistics, industrial development, and rail connectivity in Odisha.
In Bhubaneswar, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi remarked on Wednesday that this approval would facilitate increased freight transport to the seaport city, thereby promoting the state’s industrial and economic advancement.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, greenlit two projects from the Railway Ministry, amounting to an estimated cost of Rs 3,907 crore. These include the doubling of the Paradeep-Haridaspur railway line and the addition of a fourth line on the Rajkharsawan-Dangoaposi section.
Majhi expressed that the Union Cabinet’s decision to approve the doubling of the Paradeep-Haridaspur railway line represents a crucial step in fortifying Odisha’s railway framework, improving logistics efficiency, and accelerating industrial and economic progress within the state.
He extended his appreciation to Prime Minister Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, stating that this project will not only enhance rail connectivity to Paradip Port but also augment freight movement, alleviate congestion, and ensure a more streamlined transportation of people and goods. “It will reinforce Odisha’s role as a key logistics and industrial hub under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, creating new opportunities for growth and employment,” Majhi noted on X.
The 74-km doubling project for Paradeep-Haridaspur will be executed with full government funding and self-financing, with an estimated cost of Rs 2,542 crore, and is expected to be completed by 2030-31. An official statement indicated that this increase in line capacity will significantly boost mobility, enhancing operational efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways.
The two approved projects, which span four districts across Odisha and Jharkhand, will expand the Indian Railways network by approximately 145 km. Additionally, the multi-tracking initiative will improve connectivity to around 1,526 villages, benefiting a population of about 14 lakh. Furthermore, the enhanced capacity of the Paradeep-Haridaspur line will also improve access to several key tourist attractions in Odisha, such as the Lalitgiri Buddhist Complex and the Shree Baladevjew Temple.
