Bhubaneswar: In a major boost to infrastructure in Odisha and five other states, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on Thursday approved four crucial railways projects with a total outlay of approximately Rs 11,169 crore.
Among these, the Dangoaposi-Jaroli 3rd and 4th Line project holds particular importance for Odisha, signalling a new era of enhanced rail connectivity and economic prosperity for the state.
The Dangoaposi-Jaroli project, which spans across Jharkhand and Odisha, is set to significantly augment the railway network, especially for the transportation of vital commodities.
This expansion is critical for the seamless and efficient movement of iron ore from Odisha’s mineral-rich Keonjhar region to industrial hubs and major ports like Paradip, as well as other bulk commodities such as coal, cement, and petroleum products.
This approval reflects the focused efforts of the Ministry of Railways, particularly under the dynamic leadership of Minister for Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw.
The approved projects, including the Dangoaposi-Jaroli line, are meticulously planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. This integrated approach ensures multi-modal connectivity and improved logistics efficiency through comprehensive planning and extensive stakeholder consultations. For Odisha, this means better integration of its industrial corridors and economic zones with the national rail network, facilitating faster movement of goods and people.
The overall initiative, covering 13 districts across six states including Odisha, will add approximately 574 Kms to the existing Indian Railways network. This capacity augmentation is projected to result in an additional freight traffic of 95.91 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA), official sources said.
Beyond freight, these projects will enhance connectivity for nearly 2,309 villages, directly impacting the lives of about 43.60 lakh people by improving accessibility and creating employment/self-employment opportunities, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision of an “Atmanirbhar Bharat.”