Keeping in line with its target to become a net-zero carbon emitter by 2030, Indian Railways has achieved 100 per cent electrification on the existing broad gauge network of Odisha.
The existing broad gauge network of Odisha is 2,822 route kilometre.
The electrification will enable saving on account of reduced line haul cost (about 2.5 times lower), heavier haulage capacity, increased sectional capacity, and reduced operating and maintenance cost of electric locomotives.
It also helps deliver an energy efficient and eco-friendly mode of transportation, with reduced dependence on imported crude oil and saving of foreign exchange.
Further, a new broad gauge network shall be sanctioned along with electrification, in sync with Railways’ policy of 100 per cent electrified network.
Odisha state’s territory falls in the jurisdiction of East Coast, South Eastern and South East Central Railways.
Some of the major railway stations in Odisha are at Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Sambalpur, Bhadrak, Rourkela, and Jharsuguda. The railway network plays an important role in the transportation of minerals, agricultural products, and other goods from Odisha to other parts of the country.
First railway line in Odisha was constructed between Cuttack-Khurda Road-Puri in 1897.
Some of the prestigious trains of Odisha state are Howrah-Puri Express, Konark Express, Coromandel Express, Hirakud Express, Visakha Express, and Bhubaneswar-New Delhi Rajdhani Express.
These trains provide convenient connectivity to various parts of the state and other major cities in India.