Centre Approves Rail Link to Rayagada Bauxite Mines

27 Apr 2026 CW Team

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.

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

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.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..