Khurda Road-Balangir Line Gets Rs 19.38 Billion Allocation

02 Apr 2026 CW Team

The minister informed the Rajya Sabha that an outlay of Rs 19.38 billion (Rs 19.38 bn) has been provided for the 301 km Khurda Road-Balangir railway line in 2025-26. He said the latest cost of the project has reached Rs 50.89 billion (Rs 50.89 bn), of which Rs 43.11 billion (Rs 43.11 bn) had been incurred up to March 2025. Of the three components of the project, two have been commissioned while work on the remaining part has been undertaken.

He said 106 km Khurda Road-Daspalla and 120 km Purunakatak-Balangir parts of the line have been commissioned while work for the 75 km Daspalla-Purunakatak stretch has been taken up. The railway line contains seven tunnels totalling 11.96 km, of which six tunnels covering 7.7 km have been completed and work on one tunnel continues. All five bridges on the route have been completed and work on five station buildings is under progress.

The minister added that construction of an 85 km third and fourth line between Salegaon and Budhapank has also been taken up as another major project in the state. The 23 km Salegaon-Rajathgarh section has been commissioned while land acquisition and forest land diversion for the 20 km Rajathgarh to Dhenkanal stretch have been initiated. The 34 km stretch from Dhenkanal to Meramundali has already been commissioned while land acquisition and forest land diversion for the eight km Meramundali-Budhapank section is under way.

The progress report reflects staged commissioning and ongoing civil works aimed at improving connectivity and capacity in the region. The figures were provided in a written reply to a member of the Rajya Sabha, which emphasised completion of major civil structures as remaining work advances. No further timelines were specified in the reply.

Equipment

24 Apr 2026

Doosan Bobcat Drives Skills with Loader Training Push

Doosan Bobcat India has launched a comprehensive Skid Steer Loader Operator Training Programme to address the growing shortage of skilled operators and support faster adoption of compact equipment across India’s expanding infrastructure sector.The structured two-month programme is being conducted in partnership with Industrial Training Institute Bharathmatha Educational Trust, Annur. It combines classroom-based theoretical instruction with intensive hands-on practical training using advanced skid steer loaders. Participants will gain knowledge of safe machine handling, routine maintenance, e..

Centre Examines Duty Relief Under MOOWR For Battery Storage Imports

The finance ministry is examining whether to continue customs warehousing benefits under the Manufacture and Other Operations in Warehouse Regulations, 2019 framework for imported battery energy storage systems. It plans consultations with the ministries of power and new and renewable energy to decide on the future scope of duty and GST deferment for such imports. The review follows concerns from the renewable energy sector that the current approach is creating an uneven playing field. Under the regulations, companies may import goods without paying customs duty or goods and services tax upfro..

Jamshedpur MP Seeks Rs 4,820 Million Plan For Tatanagar Platforms

Member of Parliament Bidyut Baran Mahato held a meeting with Vikas Jain, Executive Director (Public Grievances) of the Railway Board, following a special session of Parliament to press for accelerated rail infrastructure work around Jamshedpur and Tatanagar. The discussions addressed a range of projects that the ministry is prioritising for the area. Final Location Surveys for the construction of the fourth and fifth railway lines between Pandrasali and Kandra and for the development of a satellite station near Tatanagar have already been approved, clearing the way for detailed planning. Mahat..