President Droupadi Murmu Lays Foundation Stone for New Railway Line Projects in Odisha.

President Droupadi Murmu laid the foundation stone for three new railway line projects in north Odisha on Saturday, marking a significant boost to the region's connectivity. The projects—Badampahar-Kendujhargarh, Bangiriposi-Gorumahisani, and Buramara-Chakulia—are estimated to cost Rs 6,295 crore.

The 82-km Badampahar-Kendujhargarh line will link Keonjhar district with Mayurbhanj, creating a vital north and north-east rail corridor in the state. The project is slated to cost Rs 2,107 crore.

The 86-km Bangiriposi-Gorumahisani line will connect Odisha’s northern regions with Jharkhand, and is being developed with an investment of Rs 2,549 crore.

The 60-km Buramara-Chakulia line, with an estimated expenditure of Rs 1,639 crore, will connect Odisha’s north-eastern parts with the Howrah-Mumbai main line, enhancing the state’s transportation network.

In addition to the rail projects, President Murmu also laid the foundation for a Tribal Research and Development Centre and the development of the Dandbose Airstrip in Rairangpur. A new 100-bed hospital at the sub-divisional hospital in Rairangpur, with a projected cost of Rs 52.4 crore, was also announced.

On the final day of her visit, the President met with local residents, alongside Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram, and other state officials.

ET