The Government of Odisha has initiated advance land acquisition for three key rail infrastructure projects, marking a significant push to strengthen freight connectivity and industrial logistics across the state. To support implementation, Rs 450 crore has been earmarked in the 2026–27 state budget specifically for railway land acquisition.
The proposed corridors, to be developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, include the Talcher coal rail network with inner and outer corridors spanning around 162 km, the 100-km Jajpur Road–Dhamra Port rail link, and the 50-km Tikri–Kutrumali bauxite corridor.
The Talcher corridors have already received in-principle approval from the Ministry of Railways and are considered strategically vital for efficient coal evacuation from the mineral-rich belt. These corridors are expected to significantly strengthen dedicated freight movement and reduce congestion on existing lines.
The Jajpur Road–Dhamra line is viewed as a crucial connectivity project linking industrial hubs to port infrastructure, enhancing export potential and boosting trade efficiency. The Tikri–Kutrumali corridor is aimed at improving bauxite transportation, facilitating mineral-based industries.
Estimated investments for the three projects run into several thousand crores, underlining their scale and economic importance. The state government’s move to ensure land readiness before inviting private partners is intended to prevent common delays associated with large infrastructure projects.
A high-level meeting involving senior state officials, railway authorities and major industrial stakeholders reviewed multiple PPP frameworks, including joint venture and non-government railway (NGR) models. Leading industry players such as Tata Steel, Jindal Steel & Power, Vedanta Ltd, Hindalco Industries and Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone Ltd have reportedly shown interest in different corridors, alongside public sector undertakings and mining firms.
