National

Vaishnaw: Odisha’s Railway Infrastructure Set for Unprecedented Expansion

Published

1 year 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

Social Media Influencer-Turned Gangster Held Abroad

Published

1 week ago

April 9, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Rao Inderjeet Yadav has been arrested in Dubai. He is wanted in a murder case from Haryana.

He fled India in 2024 after a businessman was killed in Rohtak. Police had been searching for him since then. Officials said Dubai authorities have asked for documents. He is likely to be brought back to India soon.

Yadav faces more than 15 criminal cases. These include extortion, fraud, and illegal land deals. The Enforcement Directorate also investigated him for money laundering. Raids led to the seizure of cash, cars, and documents.

He also ran a music company called Gems Tunes. It produced regional songs.

Yadav had a large social media following. He often showed his rich lifestyle online. He has denied all charges. He claims he is being framed.

Police are now preparing for further action.

National

Man Killed by Wife’s Lover in Andhra Pradesh, Son Raises Alarm

Published

1 week ago

April 8, 2026

Namma Kudla

Andhra Pradesh: A 45-year-old man was killed by his wife’s lover in Annamayya district of Andhra Pradesh. The incident happened on Monday night in a forest area near Chowdepalli.

The victim, Gandhi from Tamil Nadu, had come with his five-year-old son to search for his wife. Police said the wife was in a relationship with another man named Narasimhulu.

Narasimhulu allegedly took Gandhi and the child into the forest. He and his aides then attacked Gandhi with a stone and killed him in front of the boy.

The frightened child hid in nearby bushes. After the attackers left, he stayed beside his father’s body the whole night.

At sunrise, the boy walked to a nearby village and informed locals. The police were alerted and started an investigation.

Police have taken the accused and his two aides into custody. The child has been placed in a care centre.

National

Woman Delivers Baby Girl on Train in Andhra Pradesh

Published

1 week ago

April 8, 2026

Namma Kudla

Andhra Pradesh : A pregnant woman gave birth to a baby girl on a moving train in Andhra Pradesh. The incident ended safely with the help of railway staff.

The woman was eight months pregnant. She boarded the train with her family, believing she still had one month left for delivery. She was travelling from Chennai to Dhanbad on Train No. 13352.

After the train crossed Annavaram station, she began to feel labour pain. Her family members became worried and immediately informed the ticket examiner.

Railway staff member G. Jyothi responded quickly and helped the woman. Understanding the emergency, the train was given a special halt at Elamanchili station. An ambulance was also arranged.

The woman delivered a healthy baby girl on the train. After the delivery, both the mother and the newborn were shifted to Elamanchili Government Hospital in a 108 ambulance.

Officials confirmed that both the mother and baby are safe and healthy. The train was halted at the station for about 40 minutes to manage the situation.

Railway staff ensured privacy by asking male passengers to leave the coach. Their timely action helped ensure a safe delivery.

This incident highlights the importance of quick response and human support during emergencies.