Bhubaneswar: The Indian Railways has completely electrified the existing broad gauge network in Odisha as it moves towards setting the target of achieving net zero carbon emitter by 2030
The existing broad gauge network in Odisha is 2,822 route kms, which is 100 per cent electrified, resulting in saving on account of reduced line haul cost (about 2.5 times lower), heavier haulage capacity, increased sectional capacity and reduced operating and maintenance cost of electric loco.
It will also ensure energy-efficient and eco-friendly mode of transportation with reduced dependence on imported crude oil and saving of foreign exchange, an official statement said.
The new broad gauge network shall be sanctioned along with electrification, in sync with Railways’ policy of 100 per cent electrified network, it said.
It may be noted that Odisha’s territory falls in the jurisdiction of East Coast, South Eastern and South East Central Railways. Some of the major railway stations in Odisha include Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Sambalpur, Bhadrak, Rourkela, and Jharsuguda.
The railway network plays an important role in the transportation of minerals, agricultural products, and other goods from Odisha to other parts of the country, said the statement.
It is pertinent to mention that the first railway line in Odisha was constructed between Cuttack–Khurda Road–Puri in 1897.
Some of the important trains originating from Odisha are Howrah-Puri Express, Konark Express, Coromandel Express, Hirakud Express, Visakha Express, and Bhubaneswar-New Delhi Rajdhani Express. These trains provide convenient connectivity to various parts of the state and other major cities in India.
