railway infrastructure India Archives - Odisha Connect

Delhi-Patna in Just 4.5 Hours? Proposed Bullet Train Corridor Could Transform Rail Travel

OdishaConnect — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 12:53:32 +0000

Travelling from Delhi to Patna could become significantly faster if a proposed high-speed bullet train corridor becomes a reality. The proposed corridor is expected to connect Delhi with major cities including Agra, Kanpur, Lucknow, Prayagraj, Varanasi and Patna.

The project could bring a major transformation to connectivity between Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, reducing travel time considerably for passengers.

Delhi-Patna Journey Could Take Around 4.5 Hours

According to information shared by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the proposed high-speed corridor could connect several major cities across Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The proposed route includes Agra, Kanpur, Lucknow, Prayagraj, Varanasi and Patna.

At present, travelling from Delhi to Patna by train can take around 10 to 12 hours, depending on the service. The proposed bullet train could operate at a speed of around 250 kmph, potentially reducing the journey to approximately 4.5 hours.

The proposed travel times for other major destinations are also significantly shorter:

Delhi to Agra: Around 58 minutes
Delhi to Kanpur: Around 1 hour 50 minutes
Delhi to Lucknow: Around 2 hours 12 minutes
Delhi to Prayagraj: Around 3 hours
Delhi to Varanasi: Around 3 hours 33 minutes

Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project Underway

Meanwhile, work on India’s first high-speed bullet train project between Mumbai and Ahmedabad is progressing. The train is planned to have a maximum speed of 350 kmph, while its operating speed is expected to be around 320 kmph.

The first high-speed train service is expected to begin in August 2027, with the Surat-Vapi section targeted for an initial opening.

If the proposed Delhi-Patna corridor moves forward, it could significantly improve connectivity between the national capital, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Besides cutting travel time, the project could also strengthen economic and passenger connectivity across the region.

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200 Km of Railway Tracks Renewed in Balasore Between 2014 and 2026: Ashwini Vaishnaw

OdishaConnect — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 13:11:42 +0000

Around 200 kilometres of railway tracks in Balasore district have been renewed between 2014 and 2026, Union Railway, Information and Broadcasting, and Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has said.

Vaishnaw said track renewal and upgrading is a continuous process carried out based on factors such as the age of the track, the number of trains operating on a route and the condition of the railway infrastructure.

55,200 Km of Tracks Renewed Across India

According to the Railway Minister, nearly 55,200 kilometres of railway tracks have been renewed across the country between 2014 and 2026.

He said railway tracks are maintained and renewed by following prescribed safety standards and adopting modern technologies. Regular maintenance and upgrading are aimed at improving the safety and efficiency of train operations.

Train Speed Improves

Vaishnaw also highlighted the improvement in average train speeds following regular track maintenance and renewal.

Compared with 2014, the average speed of trains has increased in 2026. On the Kharagpur-Bhadrak railway route, the average speed reached 130 kmph in 2022. The Balasore section falls under this route.

The improvement in track infrastructure has helped facilitate faster and safer train operations along the corridor.

Track Renewal Spending Rises 5.3 Times

The Railway Minister further said expenditure on railway track renewal and upgrading has increased significantly over the years.

In 2013-14, around ₹4,979 crore was spent on track renewal and upgrading. By 2025-26, the expenditure had increased nearly 5.3 times to ₹26,231 crore.

Vaishnaw said the continued investment in railway infrastructure, along with modern technology and regular maintenance, is aimed at strengthening railway safety and improving operational efficiency across the country.

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Railways Unveils Rationalised Freight Rates & New Policy for Bulk Cement Terminals

OdishaConnect — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 11:45:32 +0000

The Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, today unveiled major reforms in the cement logistics sector by announcing the rationalization of rates for bulk cement in containers and a comprehensive policy framework for bulk cement terminals. The reforms, launched at Rail Bhawan, form a crucial part of the government’s broader push for Railways Reforms for Cement Transportation.

A Game Changer for Affordable Housing

Calling the move “a game changer,” the Minister said the rationalized rates will help reduce cement prices, directly benefiting middle-class and economically weaker families building homes.

Under the new structure, the earlier distance and weight slabs have been completely removed. Freight will now be charged at a flat rate of ₹0.90 per tonne per kilometre, calculated on Gross Tonne Kilometre (GTKM).

Standardised Tank Containers for Efficient & Clean Logistics

Shri Vaishnaw emphasized that tank containers will serve as an end-to-end pollution-free logistics solution for bulk cement transportation.

Key Features of Tank Containers

Make in India product
Standard dimensions: 20 ft × 8 ft × 8.5 ft
Payload capacity: 26 tonnes
Gross weight: 31 tonnes
Fast operations: Loading/unloading in 25–30 minutes
Designed for seamless multimodal transport (train trailer train)

The Minister also highlighted India’s growing railway capabilities, stating that the country is now the world’s second-largest freight carrier, surpassing the USA. Daily rail network expansion has increased from 4 km/day (2004–14) to 12–14 km/day, and the broad-gauge network is nearly 100% electrified. Additionally, more than 1,300 Amrit Stations are under development.

Rationalised Freight Structure for Bulk Cement

The new policy simplifies freight calculations by basing the charges solely on actual tonnage and distance travelled, eliminating the earlier complex slabs.

This rationalized rate system is expected to:

Improve ease of doing business
Provide cost-effective rail transport
Encourage large-scale adoption of tank containers for cement logistics

New Policy to Develop Bulk Cement Terminals

To strengthen India’s cement supply chain, the Railways announced a dedicated policy for building Bulk Cement Terminals near consumption centres.

Features of the New Terminal Policy

Terminals to be constructed, operated, and maintained with direct railway connectivity
Facilities to include:
- Hoppers
- Silos
- Bagging plants
- Mechanized loading & unloading systems
Supports smooth movement, storage, and distribution of cement
Enables transportation of large volumes in a single consignment

Environmental and Economic Benefits

The policy promotes shifting cement transportation from roadways to railways—offering substantial advantages such as:

Lower transportation costs
Reduced carbon emissions
Less road congestion
Minimal packaging requirements
Reduced spillage and material loss
Faster turnaround times

These reforms mark a significant step toward enhancing India’s cement logistics sector, aligning with national goals of sustainable infrastructure, multimodal connectivity, and reduced logistics cost.

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East Coast Railway Shifts Ticket Counters to New Concourse at Bhubaneswar Station Amid Redevelopment Drive

OdishaConnect — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 09:38:16 +0000

In a key step towards transforming Bhubaneswar Railway Station into a modern, world-class facility, the East Coast Railway on Tuesday relocated its ticket counters to a new ground-level departure concourse. This shift is part of the ongoing redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme and is aimed at enhancing passenger convenience and operational efficiency.

Ticket Counters Moved to New Station Building

The Passenger Reservation System (PRS) and Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS) counters have now been shifted from a temporary shed to the newly developed ground-level concourse within the station building. The change, effective from June 17, 2025, is a temporary measure during ongoing construction but is expected to ensure uninterrupted ticketing services.

Direct Access from Town Bus Stand and Platform 1

As part of the upgrades, a new approach road from the Town Bus Stand has also been opened, giving passengers direct access to the concourse and Platform No. 1, significantly easing congestion during peak hours. The redesigned layout offers more spacious counters and improved flow of passenger movement.

Capacity Boost and Future Readiness

Currently catering to nearly 77,000 commuters daily, Bhubaneswar Railway Station is projected to handle up to 1 lakh passengers per day post-redevelopment. The entire upgrade project is being executed at a cost of ₹398 crore, aiming to elevate the station’s infrastructure to global standards.

Challenges in Transition and Accessibility Concerns

While the move has been generally welcomed, some passengers have raised concerns over insufficient signage directing commuters to the new ticketing counters. Others pointed out the need for better wheelchair accessibility and facilities for the elderly and differently abled.

Assurance of Smooth Operations

A senior official from East Coast Railway stated, “This arrangement ensures that ticketing services continue without any disruption, while allowing construction to proceed smoothly.” The official added that feedback from commuters is being reviewed to further improve the station’s functionality during the transition period.

The relocation of the ticket counters marks a significant milestone in Bhubaneswar Railway Station’s transformation journey. Once completed, the project promises to offer enhanced amenities, better crowd management, and an overall improved travel experience for millions of passengers.

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