After Chattisgarh,
another coal producing state of Odisha has achieved 100 per cent
electrification in all its 2822 Route kilometers of broad gauge tracks.
On the lines of
setting the target of achieving Net Zero Carbon Emitter by 2030, the Railways
has 100 per cent electrified existing Broad Gauge network of Odisha.
The existing Broad Gauge network of Odisha is 2,822 Route
kilometer, which stands 100 per cent electrified, resulting in saving on account of reduced line haul cost (about
2.5 times lower), heavier haulage capacity, increased sectional capacity,
reduced operating & maintenance cost of electric loco, energy efficient and
eco-friendly mode of transportation with reduced dependence on imported crude
oil, saving of foreign exchange.
New Broad Gauge network shall be
sanctioned along with electrification, in sync with Railways’ policy of 100 per
cent electrified network.
Odisha state’s territory falls in the jurisdiction of East
Coast, South Eastern & South East Central Railways. Some of the major railway stations in Odisha are: Bhubaneswar,
Cuttack, Puri, Sambalpur, Bhadrak, Rourkela, and Jharsuguda. The railway
network plays an important role in the transportation of minerals, agricultural
products, and other goods from Odisha to other parts of the country.
First railway line in Odisha was
constructed between Cuttack - Khurda Road - Puri in 1897.