By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, August 20, 2026: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday approved three major multi-tracking projects in Odisha, to be built at an estimated cost of Rs 7,221 crore.

The three projects are part of four multi-tracking projects approved by the CCEA at a total estimated cost of Rs 9,450 crore. They cover key railway routes connecting Cuttack-Paradip, Bhadrak-Haridaspur and Kharagpur-Bhadrak (Ranital).

“The projects are planned on PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan with focus on enhancing multi-modal connectivity and logistic efficiency through integrated planning and stakeholder consultations,” Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, in his post-Cabinet briefing, said adding that the projects would enhance mobility, improve operational efficiency and strengthen service reliability in Odisha.

The proposed construction of third and fourth lines along the 73-km Cuttack-Paradip stretch has been estimated to cost Rs 2,286 crore. The addition of a fourth line between Bhadrak and Haridaspur will cost Rs 1,583 crore, while the fourth line between Kharagpur and Bhadrak (Ranital) has been pegged at Rs 3,352 crore.

Vaishnaw said the capacity augmentation would also improve rail connectivity to several prominent tourist destinations in the state, including Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhitarkanika National Park, Maa Bhadrakali Temple, Maa Dhamarai Temple, Panchalingeswar Temple, Talsari-Udaypur and Chandipur beaches, Gada Kujanga Jagannath Temple, Sarala Temple, Dhabaleswar Temple and Lalitgiri, a major Buddhist site.

The projects are also considered crucial for the movement of key commodities such as coal, iron ore, cement, iron and steel, containers, automobiles and foodgrains. The capacity augmentation is expected to facilitate additional freight traffic of around 76 million tonne per annum.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vaishnaw for the approval, describing it as a “transformative step” for Odisha’s rail infrastructure.

In a letter to Vaishnaw, Majhi said, “I am particularly heartened that this capacity augmentation will strengthen the movement of key commodities, including coal, iron ore, cement, steel and foodgrains – commodities vital to Odisha’s economy – while also enhancing access to cherished tourism destinations. This will give a fresh impetus to tourism, pilgrimage and local livelihoods across the region”.