Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to enhance connectivity and promote socio-economic development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple key railway projects through video conferencing. These initiatives are set to revolutionize railway infrastructure in various regions, particularly in Odisha, Jammu & Kashmir and in Telangana. The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the Rayagada Railway Division Building of East Coast Railway through video conferencing.
This project, valued at Rs. 107 Crores, is aimed at improving the railway infrastructure in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and surrounding regions. It will serve as the new headquarters for the division and provide modern facilities, including a Divisional Control Office, a modern DRM Office Building and accommodation for officers and staff. Key dignitaries who graced the event in Rayagada included Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi; Minister of State for Railways & Food Processing Industries Ravneet Singh; and several distinguished Members of Parliament from the region.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on the occasion said that today is a very auspicious day for us. “This railway project will improve the railway infrastructure of Rayagada district and entire South Odisha and accelerate the pace of development in this region. Along with increasing railway connectivity, it will help in employment and economic growth. I hope that investors will show more interest in setting up industries in this region,” he said. He said a modern office will be set up for this railway division, which is being built at a cost of Rs 107 crore, and road connectivity will also be developed for transportation.
“Rayagada is rich in mineral resources. Two large factories like Utkal Alumina and Aditya Alumina Refinery Project have been set up in Kashipur. Apart from this, industrial establishments like IMFA, J.K. Paper Mills, HPCL Gas Bottling Plant have also been set up in this district. Due to the strong infrastructure, this area is going to become a modern industrial zone very soon,” he added. Majhi said that under the leadership of the Prime Minister and with the support of Railway Minister Ashwani Vaishnaw, Rs. 73,723 crore has been sanctioned for railway development in Odisha. “In addition, 59 stations in Odisha are being redeveloped under the Amrit Station Scheme,” he added. The Chief Minister said that his government is at the forefront of fulfilling the promises made to the people.
“In the words of the legendary Prime Minister Modi, “Modi ki guarantee matlab, guarantee puri hone ki guarantee”. Following Modi’s example, we too will work day and night to fulfil the guarantees that we have given you before and will give you after the government comes to power” Majhi said. Headquartered in Rayagada, the Division will oversee railway operations. It has a state-of-the-art G+2 structure with 12,000 sqm of space for the DRM Office and the Divisional Control Office ensures smooth day-to-day railway operations.
The establishment of the Rayagada Railway Division will foster economic growth in the tribal belt of South Odisha, enhancing connectivity with local industries, and generating employment opportunities. The project is expected to positively impact the region’s development and improve the lives of local communities. Governor Dr. Kambhampati Hari Babu and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw joined the programme through Video Conferencing. These projects are expected to play a key role in boosting regional economic development, tourism, and infrastructure, providing a significant contribution to the overall growth of the nation.
