Bhubaneswar: The long-standing aspiration of integrating Odisha into India’s national high-speed rail (HSR) network is edging closer to reality, with projections suggesting a transformative Bhubaneswar–New Delhi travel time of just 8 to 9 hours. Currently, the journey takes 24 to 30 hours by conventional rail.
The push is backed by a record ₹10,928 crore allocation for Odisha’s railways in the Union Budget 2026–27, signalling heightened central government focus on the state’s rail infrastructure. Though Odisha was excluded from the initial Phase 1 rollout of India’s bullet train corridors, recent remarks by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw indicate the state is being strategically positioned for inclusion in the next phase of expansion.
The development has sparked optimism across Odisha, with expectations that high-speed rail connectivity could significantly boost trade, tourism, and investment while enhancing the state’s integration with the national economic mainstream.
Experts believe the project, if implemented, could be a game-changer for eastern India, improving regional connectivity and reducing economic disparities. However, the timeline, funding structure, and land acquisition challenges remain key factors that will determine the project’s pace and feasibility.
-OdishaAge
