Following is from http://rc.orissa.gov.in/index3.asp?linkid=30&sublinkid=593.

Shri Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister, Orissa had a meeting with Shri K.C.Jena, Chairman, Railway Board today and emphasized the need for expansion and augmentation of railway infrastructure in the State of Orissa as it is on the threshold of a major industrial upsurge. This will necessitate laying of new rail links, construction of elaborate rail terminals and bulk cargo handling points. He pointed out that the railway route length in Orissa is well below the national average and also much less than the neighbouring States like Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and Bihar.

The CM mentioned that there has been very little progress of Khurda Road-Bolangir railway line and the Ministry of Railways have allocated only Rs.32 crores during 2008-09 and stressed for increased allocation.

The CM has drawn the attention of the Chairman to the KBK districts which have a high percentage of tribal population and stressed the need for sanction of Jeypore-Malkanglri (117 Kms) line for which survey has already been completed. He further stated that advent of railways would lead to socio-economic development in that region.

He also informed that the Government of Orissa has entered into MOUs for setting up two alumina plants in the region and in this context, Lanjigarh Road-Junagarh new B.G. rail link assumes significance. He desired that the section between Lanjigarh and Bhawanipatna should be commissioned early.

He has also reiterated Government of Orissa’s interest for development of Gopalpur, Dhamra and Subarnarekha mouth (Kirtania) ports into all weather ports along its coast line and stressed that railway lines connecting Rupsa-Burhamara to Chakulia (50 kms), Nuapada-Gunupur B.G. Rail link to Theruvali (79 kms) and Banspani-Barbil for which preliminary surveys have been completed assume critical importance for movement of in bound and out bound traffic likely to be generated by the coastal ports, industries as well as mines in the hinterland

He underlined the need for expeditiously completing the residual work on Daitari-Banspani B.G.Rail Link and to introduce an intercity express between Bhubaneswar-Jamshedpur via Keonjhar. He also desired early commissioning of Cuttack-Barang doubling. The Chairman, Railway Board assured Hon�ble C.M. that Puri-Keonjhargarh Coaching Train services will be introduced before October, 2008.

Since the lack of adequate rail infrastructure has hindered the socio-economic growth of the State, he impressed upon the need to consider increased allocation of funds to ensure speedy execution of the sanctioned projects and also sanctioning of the new projects, surveys. He expressed happiness for identifying Bhubaneswar as one of the locations for construction of a world class railway station.

He also emphasized the need for introduction of new trains, extension and increase in frequency of mail/express trains, improved passenger amenities at stations etc to meet the aspirations of the people of Orissa and the developmental needs of a fast growing economy. He pointed out that although four new trains and one extension were announced in the Railway Budget of 2008-09, they have not yet been introduced and requested for early introduction of these trains.

The CM also desired early normalization of Balasore-Kharagpur section and restoration of normal coaching services as nineteen trains still stand cancelled because of the breach of railway track between Contai Road and Bakhrabad due to the recent floods.

The Chairman, Railway Board assured the Hon’ble C.M. to expedite all the above Projects of Railways in Orissa

The Chief minister’s requests were reasonable as it was made to the Railway Board chair who can only do things within the set parameters. The CM needs to go to the planning commission and the PM to make a broader request of complete connectivity to KBK+ and other adivasi districts within five years. The important parts he missed emphasizing are:

  • Junagarh – Nabarangpur – Jeypore; Malkangiri – Bhadrachalam – Bhadrachalam Rd
  • Talcher – Bimlagarh