Modi to inaugurate railway projects worth over Rs. 8,000 crore in Odisha on 18 May
1 min read . Updated: 17 May 2023, 08:09 PM IST
PremiumThe prime minister will also flag off the Vande Bharat Express between Puri and Howrah, the PMO says
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to lay the foundation stone and dedicate a series of railway projects worth more than Rs. 8000 crore in Odisha on 18 May at around 12:30 PM via video conferencing.
“During the event, the prime minister will also flag off the Vande Bharat Express between Puri and Howrah," the Prime Minister office said in a statement.
This high-speed train will traverse through multiple districts in Odisha and West Bengal, providing passengers with a faster, more comfortable, and convenient travel experience. The introduction of the Vande Bharat Express is expected to boost tourism and drive economic growth in the region, it added.
Additionally, PM Modi will lay the foundation stone for the redevelopment of Puri and Cuttack railway stations. These modernized stations will offer world-class amenities, ensuring a pleasant and seamless experience for rail passengers.
“Prime Minister will dedicate 100% electrification of the rail network in Odisha. This will reduce the operating and maintenance cost and reduce reliance on imported crude oil," the PMO said.
Furthermore, the prime minister will inaugurate several crucial rail projects, including the doubling of the Sambalpur-Titlagarh rail line, a new broad gauge rail line between Angul-Sukinda, the third line connecting Manoharpur-Rourkela-Jharsuguda-Jamga, and a new broad-gauge line between Bichhupali-Jhartarbha.
These projects are aimed at meeting the growing demand for rail transportation in Odisha, primarily driven by the rapid development of the steel, power, and mining sectors in the state. They will also alleviate congestion on existing rail routes, ensuring smoother and more efficient movement of both goods and passengers.