Railway Ministry Greenlights ₹275 Crore for Safety Fencing in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The Ministry of Railways has approved a ₹275.01 crore project to install safety fencing along tracks in the Khurda Road Division of East Coast Railway (ECoR). This initiative aims to enable trains to safely operate at speeds of 130 kmph and higher in the Bhadrak-Palasa and Khurda Road-Puri sections.

The project involves constructing boundary walls near the tracks, with exact placement to be determined by zonal authorities based on local conditions and needs. This fencing will control access at critical points such as level crossings, bridges, and underpasses, while also restricting cattle grazing near railway lines.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently announced in Lok Sabha that strategic fencing would support Vande Bharat trains running at 110-130 kmph, with continuous fencing required for speeds above 130 kmph.

This investment underscores the Ministry’s commitment to enhancing railway safety and infrastructure to meet India’s growing demand for semi-high-speed rail travel. The project is expected to improve operational efficiency, prevent accidents, and protect wildlife.