Odisha: Rs 8,200 Crore Rail Projects To Be Launched By Prime Minister Modi On 18 May

Eight major rail projects worth Rs 8,216 crore are slated to be launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 18 May.

The projects include foundation stone laying for redevelopment of Puri and Cuttack stations, dedication of the doubling of 182 km long Sambalpur-Titagarh section and 104 km long new line between Angul and Sukinda in Odisha along with flagging off the Puri-Howrah Vande Bharat Express.

Besides, the mega function at Puri would also witness declaration of 100 per cent route electrification in Odisha. 

The Prime Minister is likely to launch the 16th Vande Bharat Express from Puri along with all rail projects in a virtual mode. 

A 10 km long new line between Bichhupali and Jhartarbha section built at an estimated cost of Rs 150 crore would be inaugurated by the Prime Minister to cater to the long demand of the locals in the region. 

The 184 km long third line connecting Manoharpur, Rourkela, Jharsuguda and Jamga with an estimated cost of Rs 2,542 crore would also be dedicated on the occasion of the launching of Odisha's first Vande Bharat train. 

Cuttack and Puri stations are to be redeveloped as world-class stations as both are important rail stations in Odisha. 

Puri being the place of Lord Jagannath and also a sea beach attracts large numbers of pilgrims and tourists round the year and the station needs a facelift with improved amenities to cater to the growing number of passengers. 

Since Cuttack is the oldest city and a business hub in the state, the station requires attention for further development. 

It is estimated to cost Rs 303 crore for the redevelopment of Cuttack station while Puri station redevelopment is slated to cost Rs 162 crore. 

While the 182 km long doubling project of Sambalpur-Titlagarh is estimated to cost Rs 2,618 crore, the 104 km long new line between Angul and Sukinda is slated to cost Rs 2,441 crore.