New Delhi — In a significant push towards enhancing railway infrastructure in Odisha, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the construction of the 3rd and 4th railway lines between Jarapada (in the Talcher–Angul region) and Sambalpur. The ambitious project will be developed at a cost of ₹3,917 crore.Spanning a total length of 277 kilometers, the expansion is poised to be a game-changer for the region, promising a host of socio-economic benefits. The additional lines are expected to decongest the existing route, enable smoother and faster movement of passenger and express trains, and significantly improve regional connectivity.Officials stated that the new lines will enhance the carrying capacity of the route, which plays a critical role in transporting coal and other minerals from the resource-rich belt of Talcher and Angul. The improved infrastructure is also expected to support industrial growth and attract investments to the western and central regions of Odisha.“This is a transformative step toward realizing the vision of Viksit Odisha,” a government spokesperson said. “Better rail connectivity will boost trade, ease travel for daily commuters, and open up new economic opportunities across the Talcher–Sambalpur corridor.”The project is aligned with the Government of India’s larger focus on infrastructure-led growth and is part of a series of developmental initiatives in eastern India aimed at fostering inclusive and sustainable development.Construction work is expected to commence shortly, with timelines and implementation mechanisms to be detailed by the Ministry of Railways in coordination with the Odisha state government.
