New Delhi: During a media interaction today, Minister of Railways, Communications, Electronics, & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, announced the approval of long-awaited New Line projects for Odisha. Firstly, the eagerly anticipated Jaleswar-Digha (Jaleswar-Chandaneswar) new line project spanning 42 km will be expedited. With the approval process concluded, work will commence swiftly, bolstering the regional economy and tourism by integrating new areas into the mainstream.
The Jaleswar-Chandaneswar line will link prominent shaivapiths in Baleshwar district to Jaleswar station, including the Chandaneswar Temple and Bhusandeswar Temple. This connectivity will foster regional socio-economic development, benefiting students, pilgrims, farmers, and local traders. Moreover, connectivity to the hinterlands of Jaleswar & Bhograi blocks in Baleswar districts will enhance the fisheries sector and promote local agricultural produce.
Similarly, the Final Location Survey (FLS) for the New Line between Angul and Nayagarh Town via Narasinghpur-Kantilo-Khandapada, and a Chord Line between Khurda Town and Kaipadar Road (spanning 120 km), has been sanctioned. Once operational, this line will provide connectivity to Kantilo Nilamadhab Temple and facilitate access to unexplored wildlife sanctuaries and forest reserves. Kantilo and Khandapada will witness a surge in market demand for brass and bell metal crafts. Additionally, the proposed new line will seamlessly integrate with the ongoing Khurda-Balangir line at Nayagarh Town station and commence from Khurda Town station to Kaipadar Road station on the Khurda Road-Vizianagaram main line.