In a move to strengthen transport and mining infrastructure in Odisha, the Ministry of Railways has granted special status to a new broad gauge railway line that will connect Tikiri with the Sijimali bauxite mining region in Rayagada district. The gazette notification issued by the ministry on 21 April 2026 was published by the construction wing of East Coast Railway and assigns the scheme the designation of Special Railway Project. The decision formalises plans to improve rail links serving mineral bearing areas in the state. The project plan indicates that the new line will link Tikiri railway station with Kutrumali and the Sijimali bauxite mines, creating a direct corridor for movement between key industrial locations. The Waltair Division will have jurisdiction for execution and operations and will oversee survey work, land acquisition and construction management under the established division framework. Officials said the alignment was chosen to provide seamless connectivity through existing network nodes. Officials said direct rail connectivity to the bauxite mining areas will ease the transportation of minerals by reducing reliance on road haulage and lowering logistical costs for industry. The provision of a dedicated broad gauge corridor is likely to streamline freight movements and improve the efficiency of supply chains that support alumina and related processing units. The ministry noted that better rail access should also support rail freight planning for the wider East Coast Railway zone. The development is expected to generate employment opportunities during the construction phase and in subsequent operations, contributing to economic activity in southern Odisha. Local stakeholders welcomed the formal approval as a step towards enhancing industrial connectivity, supply chain resilience and trade facilitation within the district. Implementation timelines and detailed cost estimates will be determined by the division as project preparatory work advances.