Odisha CM Majhi Sets Early 2025 Deadline for Khurda-Balangir Railway Line Completion
In a significant announcement during the state budget discussion in the assembly, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi declared that the long-awaited Khurda-Balangir railway line is on track to become fully operational by the end of this year or early next year. This project, which has been a dream for the people of western Odisha for over five decades, marks a major milestone in the region's connectivity.
Progress on Railway Infrastructure and Broader Transport Initiatives
Majhi provided an update on the railway line's construction, noting that 226 kilometers of the total 301-kilometer new line have already been commissioned. Currently, train services are operational from Khurda Road to Dasapalla and from Balangir to Purunakatak via Sonepur. The Chief Minister emphasized that the state budget prioritizes enhancing connectivity and transport infrastructure, with plans including two new expressways and the Centre's approval for nearly 400 kilometers of new roads and national highway upgrades valued at over Rs 15,000 crore. He attributed these advancements to the efforts of the double-engine government.
Agricultural Focus and Response to Opposition Criticisms
Addressing opposition protests over farmers' issues, Majhi accused rival parties of engaging in baseless politics since February 17. He defended his administration's commitment to the agricultural sector, highlighting a budget allocation of Rs 42,492 crore for agriculture and allied activities in 2026-27, which represents a 12.3% increase from the previous year. To ensure timely payments to farmers, the government has proposed raising the revolving fund of the food supplies department from Rs 2,000 crore to Rs 5,000 crore. Additionally, plans are underway to construct modern warehouses with a capacity of 11 lakh metric tons over the next three years.
Majhi directly targeted the Congress and BJD, asserting they lack moral grounds to question the government's handling of farmers' issues. He cited data showing that paddy procurement under the previous government in 2023-24 was 70.88 lakh metric tons, while the current administration procured 92.63 lakh metric tons in 2024-25, disbursing Rs 28,715 crore to farmers, including a bonus of Rs 7,408 crore. For the current year, the government has already purchased 60.80 lakh metric tons and pledged to procure all paddy brought by farmers.
Economic and Social Welfare Initiatives
The Chief Minister criticized past governments for low farm incomes, stating that Odisha farmers earned only Rs 5,115 per month during the opposition's tenure. In contrast, he claimed that the current administration, despite being in office for less than 24 months, has increased each farming family's annual income by over Rs 33,000 through higher subsidies under the Samruddha Krushak scheme and provided Rs 10,000 annual support to eligible women under the Subhadra scheme.
Majhi also highlighted significant investment inflows, with Odisha receiving investment intents worth over Rs 20 lakh crore from events like the Utkarsh Odisha and Rourkela investors' meet, of which Rs 2.5 lakh crore has been grounded, creating job opportunities for youth. Furthermore, this year's budget allocates Rs 1,22,764 crore exclusively for women under gender budgeting, constituting 31.5% of the total outlay and marking the highest ever allocation in this category.
Defense Against Spending Allegations
Responding to concerns about expenditure, Majhi reported that program expenditure until January exceeded Rs 1 lakh crore, which is Rs 14,000 crore higher than the same period last year and represents a 16% increase in percentage terms. He dismissed allegations of under-utilization as baseless, reinforcing the government's commitment to efficient budget execution.
