New Delhi, Sept 9: In a major push for infrastructure development, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday said the Modi government is fast-tracking key railway projects across Odisha under the ‘Purvodaya Vision’.

In a post on X, Minister Pradhan shared that he aloong with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and MPs from Odisha held detailed discussions in New Delhi on Tuesday regarding the development of railway sector in the state. The discussion emphasized the Modi government’s commitment to Odisha under the ‘Purvodaya Vision,’ prioritizing connectivity and industrial growth, he said.

ନୂଆଦିଲ୍ଲୀ ଠାରେ କେନ୍ଦ୍ର ରେଳ ମନ୍ତ୍ରୀ @AshwiniVaishnaw ଏବଂ ଓଡ଼ିଶାର ସାଂସଦମାନଙ୍କ ଉପସ୍ଥିତିରେ ରାଜ୍ୟରେ ରେଳ କ୍ଷେତ୍ରର ବିକାଶ ସମ୍ପର୍କରେ ସବିଶେଷ ଆଲୋଚନା କଲୁ । ମାନ୍ୟବର ପ୍ରଧାନମନ୍ତ୍ରୀ @narendramodi ଙ୍କ ‘ପୂର୍ବୋଦୟ କଳ୍ପନା’ରେ ଓଡ଼ିଶାକୁ ଅଗ୍ରାଧିକାର ଦେଇ ରେଳ ଭିତ୍ତିଭୂମି ସୁଦୃଢ କରିବା ପାଇଁ ଡବଲ ଇ଼ଞ୍ଜିନ ସରକାର… pic.twitter.com/DE5OFuz3xa

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) September 9, 2025

The meeting spotlighted several high-impact projects, including the Khurda–Balangir line, Talcher–Bimalagarh, Sambalpur–Jarapada third and fourth lines, and the proposed Talcher–Gopalpur corridor. These lines aim to connect underserved regions, improve freight logistics, and enhance passenger convenience.

A notable proposal includes a connector from Bainida in Anugul to Boudh, linking it to the Khurda–Balangir line. This would serve as a strategic bridge for regional access. The Outer Coal Corridor from Jarapada to Tentuloi via Budhapank was also discussed, designed to streamline coal transport from mining zones to ports.

Minister Pradhan highlighted that Odisha has received record railway budget allocations over the past 11 years, far surpassing previous governments. The focus remains on integrating coal-producing districts with port infrastructure to boost industrialization and economic mobility.

The Talcher–Gopalpur line is expected to link Angul, Dhenkanal, Cuttack, Nayagarh, and Ganjam’s Aska region, reinforcing Odisha’s railway grid. These developments are projected to enhance social, economic, and tourism prospects across the state.

“Special priority is being given to civic amenities and railway transport in Odisha’s coal-producing regions. Through these measures, railway lines will connect coal-producing areas to port regions. This will facilitate easier transportation of goods and contribute to the rapid industrialization of Odisha. Strengthening railway infrastructure will also help achieve the goal of a developed Odisha. It will further lead to progress in Odisha’s social, economic, and tourism sectors,” Pradhan wrote on X.

With over Rs90,000 crore worth of railway projects underway, Odisha is poised for a transformative leap in infrastructure and connectivity, he added.