A four-line railway corridor along coastal Odisha from Balasore to Berhampur is being developed, according to Union Minister for Railways, I&B, and Electronics & IT Ashwini Vaishnaw on Sunday. This will relieve congestion on the crucial Howrah-Chennai main line and enable speedier flow of both passenger and freight trains.
"This strategic project will significantly reduce traffic and improve connectivity under the East Coast Railway (ECoR)." A number of recently announced railway lines have started construction. According to him, these programs will improve regional connectivity, foster economic expansion, and better integrate Odisha into the country's freight and passenger networks.

During his one-day visit to the capital city to witness the groundbreaking ceremony of India's first 3D glass chip packaging unit being established by Heterogeneous Integration Packaging Solutions Pvt Ltd, a fully owned subsidiary of US-based 3D Glass Solutions Inc., the minister reviewed important infrastructure projects and the renovation of Bhubaneswar railway station.
During his visit, Vaishnaw examined the current refurbishment and redevelopment projects at Bhubaneswar railway station as part of the Amrit Bharat Station plan, which encompasses 1,324 stations nationwide. The redevelopment of the city station will cost ₹398 crore. He examined the development of passenger-focused improvements, such as better circulation areas, improved station facilities, increased accessibility, and contemporary airport-style amenities.

The reconstructed Bhubaneswar railway station will have a contemporary five-story terminal with airport-style features, such as executive lounges, roomy waiting areas, and designated commercial zones surrounded by beautiful landscaping.
In addition to elevated driveways on both the eastern and western sides for easier access, the railway station will feature an air concourse connecting all six platforms for smooth passenger movement. Passenger convenience will be improved by increased foot overbridges, better platform shelters, lifts and escalators, an information center and a food plaza.
In order to guarantee timely completion, Vaishnaw spoke with passengers and instructed personnel to accelerate the pace of work. In order to enable the early completion of the proposed elevated corridor on the eastern side, he directed that any outstanding issues be addressed as soon as possible.

Currently, the state is working on railway projects of more than ₹90,000 crore. He insisted, "Odisha has received a record budget allocation of over ₹10,000 crore (₹10,928 crore) for railway development, which is significantly higher and nearly 13 times more than the average allocation in previous decades."
Strengthening railway connectivity in Western Odisha, especially along the Junagarh–Nabarangpur–Jeypore–Malkangiri–Bhadrachalam axis, will greatly increase access to tribal and aspirational communities, Vaishnaw said, highlighting inclusive growth.
Additionally, he said that 59 railway stations in Odisha are being renovated as part of the Amrit Bharat Station initiative, which would improve passenger experiences and provide contemporary amenities throughout the state.

59 railway stations in the state will be modernised with ₹2,379 crore approved by the Ministry of Railways. In addition to the Bhubaneswar station, Sambalpur will receive ₹348 crore, Cuttack will receive ₹303 crore, Balasore will receive ₹197 crore, and Puri will receive ₹177 crore.
"With an emphasis on speed, safety, and passenger comfort, the state's railway infrastructure will continue to be upgraded, ensuring balanced and inclusive development across all regions," Vaishnaw continued.