In yet another step to strengthen the railway infrastructure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation several railway projects worth more than Rs 8,000 crore in Odisha on May 18. The PM also flagged off the Vande Bharat Express between Puri and Howrah.
“In India’s ‘Amrit Kaal’, Vande Bharat trains are the engine of development for the country while forwarding the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat,” said PM Modi. The train will pass through Khordha, Cuttack, Jajpur, Bhadrak, and Balasore districts in Odisha, and Paschim Medinipur and Purba Medinipur districts in West Bengal. Along with providing a faster, more comfortable, and more convenient travel experience to rail users, the train will boost and promote economic growth in the region.
Speaking on the occasion, PM Modi said, “The Indian Railway connects and weaves everyone together in a thread, and the Vande Bharat Express will also move forward with the same idea and thought.” He also informed that fifteen Vande Bharat trains are already running in various states of the country, giving a push to the economy of the country.
PM Modi also dedicated 100% electrification of the rail network in Odisha. This will reduce operating and maintenance costs and reduce reliance on imported crude oil. Other projects include the redevelopment of Puri and Cuttack railway stations and the doubling of the Sambalpur-Titlagarh rail line. In addition, he also dedicated 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.
Infrastructure not only makes people’s lives easier but also empowers society: PM Modi
During his address, PM Modi highlighted the growth the country has witnessed in the infrastructure domain. He informed that in the 10 years before 2014, only 20 km of railway lines were laid annually in the state, while in the year 2022–23, 120 km of long lines were laid.
The government has placed a strong emphasis on building and upgrading infrastructure to support economic growth, improve living standards, and enhance connectivity.
“Balanced development of states is equally necessary for rapid development of India,” says PM Modi
It is pertinent to note that the 15th Finance Commission recommended higher budgets for states like Odisha and West Bengal. Explaining the measures taken by the central government, PM Modi highlighted that the government reformed mining policy keeping in mind mineral wealth, which led to a considerable increase in the revenue of all states possessing mineral wealth.
The balanced development of states is crucial for the overall rapid development of India. It ensures that the benefits of growth and progress are distributed across regions, promotes inclusive development, and creates a more equitable society.
The PM further mentioned that the government has provided more than 8 thousand crore rupees to the state for disaster management and NDRF. “The central government is paying full attention to ensure that Odisha can successfully combat natural calamities,” added PM
