New Delhi: In a significant boost to Odisha’s infrastructure and economic landscape, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today approved four crucial Ministry of 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, signaling 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 is a testament to the focused efforts of the Ministry of Railways, particularly under the dynamic leadership of Union Minister for Railways, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw. Vaishnaw has consistently emphasized the development of Odisha’s railway infrastructure, aiming to leverage the state’s strategic location and rich natural resources for national growth. He has previously announced plans for railway projects worth an estimated Rs. 1 lakh crore for Odisha in the coming years, with a notable increase in budgetary allocations to the state’s railway sector under the Modi government.
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). 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.”
Furthermore, the emphasis on rail as an environmentally friendly and energy-efficient mode of transportation is expected to contribute significantly to India’s climate goals. The increased rail usage is projected to reduce oil import by 16 Crore Litres and lower CO2 emissions by 515 Crore Kg, equivalent to planting 20 Crore trees – a substantial step towards sustainable development.
With the Dangoaposi-Jaroli 3rd and 4th Line project now greenlit, Odisha is poised for significant progress in its logistics and industrial sectors. This development underscores the Central Government’s commitment to accelerating infrastructure growth and unlocking the full economic potential of states like Odisha, under the guiding principles of PM Gati Shakti and the proactive vision championed by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.