Different railway projects collectively amounting to Rs 73,000 crore are under implementation in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: 9/1/25:Different railway projects collectively amounting to Rs 73,000 crore are under implementation in Odisha, said Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw here on 9 January. Union Minister Shri Vaishnaw along with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi held a detailed discussion about the ongoing projects here on the sidelines of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.CS Manoj Ahuja, PS to CM Manoj Kumar Sahoo, ACS to CM Nikunja Bihari Dhal, and other senior officials were present during the discussion.

The Railways Minister expressed his delight upon hearing the Prime Minister’s announcement that Odisha has been selected to host the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. This historic event will offer a significant number of Prabasi Bharatiyas the opportunity to experience India’s vibrant heritage and culture firsthand.

During a detailed discussion with the Chief Minister, he announced that more major initiatives related to these projects will be revealed at the upcoming Utkarsh Odisha Meet. Odisha is on its way to becoming an important center for IT industries. Promising opportunities are being explored for the youth of Odisha in areas such as semiconductors, electronics, IT, IoT, and machine learning, he pointed out.

“A campus of NILET University is being set up in the state, and steps are being taken to ensure its success. Once the necessary land is available, we hope to establish a world-class university,” he announced. In addition, the Union Minister said efforts will continue to encourage the growth of IT industries in Odisha. The Chief Minister has been kindly approached to consider allocating suitable lands near Bhubaneswar to support the development of these key projects. Connectivity improvements, especially for tourism, are also a key priority. Shri Vaishnaw announced plans to introduce enhanced train services, including a special train for the Mahakumbh, in addition to several other facilities aimed at boosting tourism in the State.

In line with the Prime Minister’s vision for a sustainable and self-sufficient energy future, Shri Vaishnaw emphasized the importance of transitioning Indian Railways to renewable energy sources. Highlighting the railway’s role in conserving energy and promoting efficiency in transportation, the Minister shared the railway’s plans to innovate within the renewable energy sector. He noted that Indian Railways is committed to being a key player in India’s energy self-sufficiency by implementing energy-saving measures and investing in renewable energy solutions. The vision of the Prime Minister was discussed in great detail with the Chief Minister in front of the Pravasi Bharatiya dignitaries, showcasing the government’s dedication to the State’s holistic development.