Odisha has just got its biggest railway budget ever – ₹10,928 crore in the Union Budget 2026-27.

This is a huge step up and will help finish many long-pending projects worth more than ₹90,000 crore across the state. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said this amount shows the government is keeping its word to Odisha. The money will go towards new railway lines, full electrification, better tracks, and modern stations – especially in mining belts, industrial zones, and coastal areas. Better trains mean easier movement of goods, people, and jobs.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is very happy. He called the Budget “forward-looking and people-friendly.” He specially thanked the Centre for focusing on roads, waterways, youth programs, and big infrastructure pushes. According to him, this Budget puts Odisha right in the middle of India’s growth journey. On the other hand, Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik is not impressed. He said Odisha got “very little” compared to what was needed. He feels the state missed out on big chances for more jobs and faster development.

New Rare Earth Mineral Corridor – Links Talcher-Angul-Kalinganagar to Paradeep and Dhamra ports. This will cut India’s need to import rare minerals and help Odisha’s mining areas grow faster.
Big focus on National Waterway-5 – This waterway connects mines, factories, and ports. It’s being seen as a green, cheap way to move coal, iron ore, and other goods.
More electrification, new lines, and station upgrades to make travel smoother and safer.

Helping mining and steel industries
Boosting exports through ports
Creating more jobs in rural and industrial pockets

This railway allocation is one of the strongest signals yet that Odisha’s infrastructure is getting serious attention at the national level.Stay tuned – as projects start moving faster, we’ll see how this changes daily life, travel, and business in the state.