Bhubaneswar, Feb 2: Odisha has received its highest-ever allocation for the Railways in the Union Budget 2026–27, marking a dramatic surge in central investment, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Monday. Presenting a state-wise abstract of budgetary support, the Minister highlighted a thirteen-fold jump in Odisha’s average annual railway funding compared to the pre-2014 period.
Addressing a press briefing, Vaishnaw said the state’s annual average railway allocation has increased from ₹1,171 crore during 2009–14 to ₹10,928 crore in the current budget cycle. He described the rise as a “historic transformation” that reflects the Centre’s long-term commitment to strengthening rail infrastructure in Odisha.
The Minister said railway projects worth ₹90,659 crore are currently underway across the state, covering new line construction, station redevelopment and major safety upgrades. A key focus is passenger amenities under the Amrit Station Scheme, with 59 stations in Odisha identified for redevelopment at a cost of ₹2,439 crore. Works have already been completed at six stations, including Cuttack (Second Entry), Baripada and Talcher.
Vaishnaw also noted that Odisha now operates six pairs each of Vande Bharat Express and Amrit Bharat Express trains, enhancing speed and comfort for passengers. Since 2014, around 2,200 kilometres of new railway tracks have been laid in the state, while Odisha has achieved 100 per cent electrification with 1,559 kilometres of rail lines electrified over the past decade.
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