Jajpur Road-Dhamra Rail Link Moves Closer to Reality .

Jajpur21/09(PPT): The long-pending Yajpur Road-Dhamra railway project has moved closer to implementation, raising hopes among residents of Jajpur and neighbouring districts. The proposed 101.26-km new railway line will connect Jajpur-Keonjhar Road with Dhamra via Jajpur and Aradi. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared, while the process of land acquisition has also progressed.

Jajpur MP Dr. Rabindra Narayan Behera has been pursuing the project with the Railway Ministry and the Railway Board. During his recent interaction with the Railway Board chairman, Dr. Behera discussed the status of the project and sought early progress on the long-standing demand for the railway link.

The proposed line is expected to improve rail connectivity to several important religious, tourism and industrial destinations, including the Maa Biraja temple in Jajpur, the Akhandalamani shrine at Aradi, Bhitarkanika and Dhamra Port. The railway link is also expected to facilitate movement of passengers and goods and strengthen connectivity between the region’s industrial and coastal areas.

The project had figured among the new railway line proposals considered by the Railway Board. In April 2026, a Central Government notification authorised the Land Acquisition Officer at Jajpur-Keonjhar Road to undertake land acquisition for the special railway project, indicating further movement on the ground.

During his meeting with the Railway Board chairman, Dr. Behera also raised various issues concerning railway employees in his capacity as president of the All India Railway Guards Council. Council general secretary Debajit Biswas, along with Shashank Nishank, Alik Khan, Mr. Mishra and other office-bearers, were present during the discussions.

The proposed railway line has generated expectations among residents that improved connectivity could contribute to the region’s tourism, industrial and commercial activities. Dr. Behera said he would continue to pursue the project and other development issues concerning Jajpur.

“People of Jajpur have blessed me and made me their Member of Parliament. I will continue to serve them as long as I have a drop of blood in my body,” he said.