Argus News - Union Budget 2026-27: Odisha Gets Record Rs10,928 Cr Railway Budget Allocation

New Delhi/ Bhubaneswar, Feb 2: Odisha has received a record-breaking railway budget allocation of Rs10,928 crore in the Union Budget 2026-27, marking a thirteen-fold increase compared to the annual average of Rs838 crore during 2009-14, Officials said on Monday.

Massive Infrastructure Push

Projects worth Rs90,659 crore are currently underway across Odisha, covering track construction, electrification, station redevelopment, and safety enhancements. Under the Amrit Station Scheme, a total of 59 stations have been identified for redevelopment with an investment of Rs2,439 crore. Six stations, including Cuttack (second entry), Baripada, Barpali, Bimlagarh, Parlakhemundi, and Talcher, have already been upgraded.

Also Read: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Hails Highest-Ever Rail Allocation for Odisha

Enhanced Connectivity

Odisha’s railway connectivity has improved with the introduction of six pairs of Vande Bharat Express and six pairs of Amrit Bharat Express, offering faster travel and greater passenger comfort. Since 2014, nearly 2,200 km of new tracks have been laid-surpassing the entire rail network of Malaysia. The state has also achieved 100% electrification, with 1,559 km electrified in the past decade.

Safety and Wildlife Protection

To improve safety, 632 flyovers and underpasses have been built. The budget also prioritises wildlife protection, deploying AI-based thermal cameras and optical fibre technology to prevent elephant deaths on railway tracks.

CM Majhi, Dharmendra Pradhan hail Budget

The proposed East-West Freight Corridor will connect Odisha’s industrial hubs, strengthening trade and commerce. Chief Minister Mohan Majhi said the allocation will accelerate industrial growth and contribute to the vision of a “Samruddha Odisha.”

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Modi, Finance Minister Sitharaman, and Railway Minister Vaishnaw, calling the grant a milestone under the Purvodaya Mission. This budget allocation will transform Odisha’s railway infrastructure and accelerate its growth trajectory, he added.