The Indian Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has recently approved two major railway projects in western Odisha, aimed at significantly enhancing tourism and economic development in the region.
These projects include the construction of a new 138-km railway line connecting Bargarh Road to Nuapada via Padampur, and the expansion of the Sardega to Bhalumuda route into a double line. These initiatives mark a significant advancement in improving connectivity and supporting regional growth. The new Bargarh Road-Nuapada railway line is expected to provide vital connections to important areas such as the Sambalpuri handloom hub and the Nrusinghanath Temple in Bargarh district. This route will offer an alternative path for travellers from Sambalpur or Angul to Raipur, avoiding the congested Titlagarh freight corridor. This diversion is anticipated to ease congestion on the heavily trafficked Jharsuguda-Bilaspur-Raipur line.
Beyond easing passenger travel, the new railway line is poised to support the region’s expanding industrial sector. It will facilitate the transport of finished steel from local plants to northern India and coal from Angul to Raipur, significantly reducing logistical costs and improving the efficiency of domestic coal movement. The line is expected to handle substantial volumes of freight, including 6.5 million tonnes of coal, 3 million tonnes of iron ore annually, as well as steel, cement, and rice. Additionally, it will enhance access to various tourist attractions in Bargarh and Nuapada, such as the Nrusinghanath Temple and Debrigarh Sanctuary.
Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari has assured full support for the projects, including prompt land acquisition to ensure timely completion. Bargarh MP Pradip Purohit lauded the approval as a major boost for the region, especially as it coincides with the upcoming Nuakhai festival, highlighting the economic and tourism benefits the projects will bring. The approval of these railway projects represents a significant milestone for western Odisha, promising to spur economic growth and elevate tourism in the area. By enhancing transportation infrastructure, the government aims to improve regional connectivity, support industrial expansion, and foster local economic development. As the projects move forward, they are expected to deliver notable benefits, including reduced logistical costs and better access to key tourist destinations, aligning with the broader goals of regional development and connectivity.
