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The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has given its approval to two major railway projects in Odisha, marking a significant step towards enhancing tourism and economic activities in the state's western region. These projects, the 138-km Bargarh Road-Nuapada via Padampur new railway line and the Sardega-Bhalumuda double line project, are expected to bring about a transformative change in the region's connectivity and development.
The Bargarh Road-Nuapada new line, a long-standing demand of the people and elected representatives, promises to connect vital areas in western Odisha. It will pass through Padampur, considered the rice bowl of India, and will also provide access to the hub of Sambalpuri handloom and the renowned Nrusinghanath Temple in Bargarh district. The new line serves as a bypass for the congested Jharsuguda-Bilaspur-Raipur rail route, offering an alternative route for those traveling between Sambalpur or Angul and the Raipur region. Its significance extends beyond tourism, as it will play a crucial role in transporting finished steel from expanding steel plants in the region to northern India, and in moving coal from Angul district to industries in the Raipur region. This line is projected to handle significant freight traffic, including coal, iron ore, steel, cement, rice, and other goods, further bolstering the region's economic potential.
The Sardega-Bhalumuda double line project, spanning 37 km, is intended to strengthen social and cultural ties between the tribal communities of Odisha's Sundargarh district and Raigarh district in Chhattisgarh. This project, set to be completed within three years, will have a significant impact on the lives of the tribal population by facilitating improved connectivity and cultural exchange. Currently, the lack of bus services between Sardega and Bhalumuda makes travel reliant on two-wheelers and four-wheelers, highlighting the need for the new double line.
Both projects, while serving different purposes, underscore the government's commitment to improving connectivity and fostering economic growth in Odisha. The Bargarh Road-Nuapada new line, with its focus on tourism and freight transport, will play a vital role in unlocking the region's potential, while the Sardega-Bhalumuda double line project will bring social and cultural benefits to the tribal communities in the border districts. These projects are expected to be catalysts for economic development and social progress in the region, further contributing to Odisha's overall growth and prosperity.
Source: Odisha gets Bargarh Road-Nuapada new line among two new railway projects