Bhubaneswar: In a major boost to rail infrastructure in Odisha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday laid the foundation stone for the new Rayagada Railway Division.
The new Rayagada Railway Division, for which over Rs 107 crore is being spent, marks a significant milestone in enhancing train operations in the region.
The Prime Minister, who launched rail infrastructure projects in Odisha as well as Jammu-Kashmir and Telangana, said these projects will promote tourism and add to socio-economic development in these regions.
Modi said that Odisha is blessed with abundant natural resources and a large coastline, and holds significant potential for international trade.
Several railway projects worth over Rs 70,000 crore are ongoing in Odisha, along with the establishment of seven Gati Shakti cargo terminals, which are boosting trade and industry.
The new division will feature a Divisional Control Office, eco-friendly staff accommodation, and modern facilities that will enhance railway operations across Koraput, Rayagada and Kalahandi.
Railway operations in Odisha are expected to experience a marked increase in efficiency with the formation of the new division. It is set to boost economic growth, influence demographic mobility, and accelerate regional advancement.
The move will also boost connectivity and accelerate economic growth in southern Odisha, contributing to PM Modi’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’. PM Modi also inaugurated the New Jammu Railway Division and the Charlapalli New Terminal Station, in company of Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
The Rayagada Railway Division will come up with an estimated Rs 107 crore. The project will include several key components aimed at enhancing the region’s railway infrastructure. Some of its major features are the following:
– The headquarters of the division will be located in Rayagada.
– A modern DRM office building will be constructed (G+2 structure, with a total plinth area of 12,000 sqm).
– A divisional control office will be established to manage Railway Operations.
– Residences for officers and staff will be built to support the Division’s workforce.
– Connecting roads will be developed for smoother transportation links.
– The project will include adequate circulating areas and parking facilities.
– The division will feature rainwater harvesting systems to promote sustainability.
The project is expected to enhance connectivity and improve transportation links in the region thereby boosting regional economic growth, particularly in the tribal belt of South Odisha. It will also contribute to employment generation in the area.
The event was attended by several dignitaries at Rayagada, including Odisha Governor Kambhampati Hari Babu, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Minister of State for Railways & Food Processing Industries Ravneet Singh Bittu, sources said
