Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw promises ₹1 lakh crore for Odisha railways in five years.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced a massive ₹1 lakh crore investment in Odisha’s railway projects over the next five years. Speaking to newly elected BJP MLAs and MPs on Sunday, Vaishnaw emphasised the Prime Minister’s commitment to the state’s development.
“With the Prime Minister’s blessing, ₹1 lakh crore in railway projects will be sanctioned for Odisha in the next five years. This is my promise,” Vaishnaw stated. He highlighted the significant increase in funds allocated to the state, noting that a decade ago, Odisha received only ₹800 crore. Currently, the state benefits from an annual allocation of ₹10,000 crore, reflecting the government’s dedication to enhancing infrastructure.
Vaishnaw revealed that for the 2024-25 financial year, Odisha was allocated a record ₹10,536 crore for railway infrastructure, with substantial progress already underway. In the past decade, 1,826 km of railway lines have been laid in Odisha, setting a new record. Additionally, Vaishnaw criticised the BJD for hindering land acquisition for railway projects and announced plans for special trains during the Rath Yatra in Puri.
