National

Vaishnaw: Odisha’s Railway Infrastructure Set for Unprecedented Expansion

Published

2 years ago

February 4, 2025

On Monday, Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the Centre has allocated Rs 10,599 crore for railway development in Odisha, marking a 12.5-fold increase compared to the funding provided by the previous NDA government. Between 2009 and 2014, the NDA government had sanctioned only Rs 838 crore for railway projects in the coastal state, making this new allocation a landmark achievement in the state’s railway financing.

The Rail Budget 2025 heralds a transformative phase for Odisha’s railway infrastructure, poised to enhance growth, modernization, and connectivity within the state. The Minister emphasized that the ongoing projects and future investments would solidify Odisha’s role as a crucial component of India’s railway network while significantly boosting regional economic development.

Over the past three years, Odisha has benefited from more than Rs 10,000 crore annually allocated to railway development, totaling Rs 78,000 crore in investments for the sector. Additionally, the current government has sanctioned another Rs 20,000 crore worth of projects, according to Vaishnaw, a Rajya Sabha member from Odisha.

Highlighting the expansion of the railway network in Odisha between 2014 and 2025, Vaishnaw reported that 186 km of new tracks will be laid—3.5 times more than the 53 km added in the preceding period. He noted a remarkable 4.5-fold increase in electrification efforts, with 138 km of electrified track achieved during this term compared to a mere 29 km previously.

The minister also detailed significant infrastructure advancements, stating that over 2,046 km of new tracks have been built since 2014, exceeding the entire rail network of Malaysia. Odisha has achieved 100% electrification, with 1,516 km of track now electrified. Presently, 48 new track projects are in progress, covering a total of 4,784 km, with an investment of Rs 73,723 crore.

The railway budget allocates Rs 2,379 crore for the development of 59 stations across Odisha, including major hubs such as Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Sambalpur, and Rourkela. The Kavach safety system has been approved for 1,898 km of rail line, with ongoing work and tendering for 645 km; 1,000 locomotives will be integrated with this system to enhance safety, as highlighted by Vaishnaw.

In terms of amenities and infrastructure improvements, the Minister noted that since 2014, 522 rail flyovers and under-bridges have been constructed, alongside the installation of 43 lifts, 18 escalators, and Wi-Fi access at 234 stations. Currently, six Vande Bharat trains operate across Odisha, connecting 17 districts and 25 designated stops, providing passengers with modern, high-speed travel options.

Furthermore, the Amrit Bharat Express, which runs between Malda Town and Bengaluru, enhances connectivity across five states. The multi-tracking project from Kolkata to Chennai is progressing swiftly, with substantial work completed between Kolkata and Bhadrak; third-line work is already underway, and future plans include a fourth line, Vaishnaw remarked.

National

West Bengal Man Detained in Bengaluru over Alleged Terror Links

Published

7 hours ago

August 15, 2026

Namma Kudla

Bengaluru: Bengaluru police have detained a 25-year-old man from West Bengal over his alleged links with a terror group.

The accused has been identified as Asafool Mallik. He is a native of Naopara village in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district.

Police detained Mallik in the Jigani area after receiving information about his alleged suspicious online activities.

According to the police, Mallik had allegedly established contact with a person identified as Imran Haider through Facebook. Haider, who is from Afghanistan, is suspected to have links with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Police said Mallik allegedly wanted to travel to Afghanistan and join the group. He also allegedly discussed retaliatory attacks against the Pakistan Army and possible attacks in India.

Mallik had reportedly applied for a visa to travel to Afghanistan. However, he later dropped the plan due to financial difficulties and family responsibilities, police said.

Mallik was living near APC Circle in Jigani. He had been working as a security guard at Tata Advanced Limited in the Jigani Industrial Area since December 2025.

Police said they received information about his activities while conducting patrols in the Bommasandra Industrial Area.

During questioning, Mallik allegedly said he was angry over what he believed were attacks on Muslims in Pakistan. He also reportedly expressed anger over Pakistan’s position on the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Police further said Mallik was allegedly being encouraged to retaliate if Muslims faced difficulties in India.

Police later examined Mallik’s mobile phone. They allegedly found chats, voice calls and audio conversations between Mallik and Haider.

The police are now examining the chats, recordings and other material recovered from the phone.

The investigation is underway to determine the extent of Mallik’s alleged links with the terror network.

National

Google Marks India’s Independence Day With Vibrant Doodle

Published

15 hours ago

August 15, 2026

Namma Kudla

Mangaluru: India is celebrating its Independence Day on August 15, 2026. Google has joined the celebrations with a special Doodle on its homepage.

The colourful Doodle reflects India’s rich culture and heritage. It features patterns inspired by traditional Indian textiles.

The artwork replaces the usual Google logo with bright colours and traditional motifs. It gives the familiar logo a distinct Indian look.

The Doodle also highlights India’s cultural diversity. Its detailed designs are inspired by India’s traditional art and textile heritage.

India became independent from British rule on August 15, 1947. The day is celebrated across the country with flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural programmes, parades and other patriotic events.

Kite flying and cultural activities are also part of the Independence Day celebrations in many parts of the country.

India gained independence on August 15, 1947, after nearly two centuries of British rule.

The freedom struggle involved the sacrifices of millions of Indians. Several prominent leaders and freedom fighters played important roles in the movement.

Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Bhagat Singh are among the prominent figures associated with India’s freedom struggle.

As the nation celebrates Independence Day, Google’s special Doodle adds a colourful digital tribute to India’s history, culture and national spirit.

National

India Celebrates Independence Day with Focus on Viksit Bharat

Published

16 hours ago

August 15, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: India celebrates Independence Day on August 15, 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the national celebrations at the historic Red Fort in New Delhi.

The ceremony highlighted 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram. The event also focused on the power of the youth, or Yuva Shakti.

Prime Minister Modi stressed the vision of building a developed India, or Viksit Bharat, by 2047. He called on the youth to play a key role In achieving this goal.

For the first time in the history of the Red Fort celebrations, Vande Mataram was officially rendered during the ceremony.

Prime Minister Modi appeared in a traditional tie-and-dye red turban. He paired it with a white kurta and a chocolate-brown jacket.

The celebrations followed the traditional state protocol. The national flag was hoisted at the Red Fort. A 21-gun salute was also given.

A ceremonial Guard of Honour was presented to the Prime Minister. He later addressed the nation from the Red Fort.

The 2026 Independence Day celebrations combined India’s historic legacy with a strong message for the future. The focus remained on youth power and the goal of making India a developed nation by 2047.