Archive for the 'ADMINISTRATION & REPs' Category

Orissa government’s new policy regarding thermal power stations

Captive power policy, Odisha govt. action, Thermal Comments Off on Orissa government’s new policy regarding thermal power stations

Following is an excerpt from a report in Statesman.

The state government formulated policy guidelines for power generators covering all those who have already signed MoUs and those who are in the pipeline and stipulated availability of power as state shares with the quantum being linked to coal block and coal linkages.

Henceforth the MoUs will have a provision entitling a nominated agency authorised by the state government to purchase 14 per cent power from a generator with coal linkage and 12 per cent power from those without coal linkage. The power purchased from the generator by the state or its authorised agency will be at variable costs determined by the OERC.

For existing power producers, the same has been fixed at seven and five per cent of the generation respectively. However with regards to ultra mega power projects, the state will have a right to purchase upto 50 per cent of power from it through competitive bidding at the lowest bid price only.

The government has also said that ultra mega power projects should contributed five per cent of their profit to the peripheral development fund.

The MoUs and power purchase agreements signed already may be modified and the progress of existing independent power producers will be reviewed, it said.

Ultra mega power projects will signed MoU with the state government for support in getting various clearances and assistance in rehabilitation measures as per state policy.

The central sector power generators will however follow government of India guidelines on sharing of power and state will get 10 per cent home state share from the plant in addition to the 20 per cent share through Gadgil formula.

The Centre will be required for 15 per cent discretionary power from NTPC Kaniha while agreeing to the proposal of NTPC in Ib Valley project, stated the Cabinet.

3 Aluminum projects approved by SLSWCA

Aluminium, Multinationals, NALCO, Single Window Clearance (SLSWCA) 2 Comments »

Following is an excerpt from a report in Business Standard.

The State Level Single Window Clearance Authority (SLSWCA) of the Orissa government, headed by Chief Secretary, Ajit Kumar Tripathy, today approved projects worth Rs 42,911crore mainly pertaining to the aluminium sector. It includes the Rs 16,345 crore investment proposal of the National Aluminium Company Ltd (Nalco), Rs 19,668 crore proposal of L&T-Dubal, Rs 6800 crore proposal of RSB Metaltech and Rs 98 crore investment proposal of Kanpur based Bajaj Steels and Industries Ltd.

Oil rig and two cold rolling mills proposal cleared

Bhadrakh, Cold rolling mills, Dhamara- Chandbali- Bhitarakanika, Dhenkanal, High Level Committee, Offshore Oil rig Comments Off on Oil rig and two cold rolling mills proposal cleared

Following is an excerpt from a report in Pioneer.

Investment proposals worth Rs 1,825.61 crore were cleared by State-level Single Window Clearance Authority (SLSWCA) here on Saturday.

The SLSWCA meeting, chaired by Chief Secretary Ajit Kumar Tripathy, gave its nod to the Rs 900-crore investment project of Oceanic Shipyard Limited (OSL) along with two cold rolling mills with an investment of Rs 925.61 crore.

… IPICOL managing director Ashok Kumar Meena told the media that OSL, a subsidiary of Bengal Shipyard Limited (BSL), has proposed to set up an oil rig, offshore structure and a support vessels manufacturing and repairing unit at Dhamra in Bhadrak district with an investment of Rs 900 crore. BSL, a joint venture of Apeejay Shipping Limited and Bharati shipyard Limited, is setting up a shipyard at Dhamra with an investment of Rs 2,400 crore.

Meena said the company had asked for 950 acres of land at Dhamra to set up the facility in a period of 60 months in three phases from the date of allotment of land. The project would generate direct employment opportunity for 7,500 persons. As the net worth of the group is Rs 647 crore in 2006-07, there would be no problem of raising the funds for the greenfield project, added another official.

The proposal of the Bhuvee Profiles & Stainless Limited (BPSL) to set up a 0.790-mtpa hot rolled plates and coil rolling mill with an investment of Rs 492.66 crore at Kuranti in Dhenkanal district was cleared by the Authority, said Meena.

According to him, a sister concern of the BRG Group, BPSL would be the downstream project of the group. The company has asked for 90 acres of land, though the requirement for the project would be 45 to 50 acres, said an official.

Meena said the proposal of Rabirun Vinimay Private Limited (RVPL) to set up a 0.240-mtpa cold rolling mill complex at Kuranti with an investment of Rs 432.95 crore was also okayed.

CM pursues various rail projects in Delhi

Chief Minister's actions, Railways Comments Off on CM pursues various rail projects in Delhi

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

Orissa govt. action on the National Waterway 5

National Waterway 5, Odisha govt. action Comments Off on Orissa govt. action on the National Waterway 5

Earlier we discussed the national waterway 5. It seems finally the state government has woken up and ready to do its part. Following is an excerpt from a report in Telegraph.

Plans are afoot to develop a national waterway (NW-5) connecting the Brahmani and Mahanadi with the now-defunct East Coast Canal of the British days, extending up to Geonkhali in Bengal, at an estimated cost of Rs 2,000 crore.

As a follow-up measure, the Orissa government today set up a task force, headed by the development commissioner and secretaries of water resources, commerce and transport, forest and environment and revenue departments, to work out an action plan.

… The proposed waterway is being seen as an alternative to the congested rail and road routes.

An estimated 18.07 million tonnes of inland water transport traffic is expected to be carried out on the waterway in the 10th year of its commissioning, said commerce and transport secretary Suresh Chandra Mohapatra.

Cargo, such as coal, fertiliser, cement, iron ore, paddy, rice, seeds, coconut, wheat, sugar, edible oils, bamboo, straw, jute and industrial products may be transported through the route.

The proposed waterway includes a 91km stretch in Bengal (Geonkhali to Nasirabad), while the rest (532km) would be in Orissa.

A bill was introduced in Parliament on December 8, 2006, for the declaration of the Talcher-Dhamra stretch of the Brahmani-Kharsuan-Dhamra rivers, Geonkhali-Charbatia stretch of the East Coast Canal, Charbatia-Dhamra stretch of the Matai and the Mahanadi delta rivers between Mangalgadi and Paradip as national waterways.

… Preparation of the detailed project report has been entrusted with the Gurgaon-based Wapcos (India) Limited, while the preparation of the final report is underway.

Similarly, environmental impact assessment study and preparation of environment management plan are also on, Mohapatra said.

New Delhi-based CES (India) Private Limited submitted the final draft report of the environmental impact study to the Union government last year.

While the Union government would be funding the project, the state government will provide the required land, free of cost.

The land acquisition process and rehabilitation of people living along the 100m wide corridor is to be initiated by the government, besides providing technical details and data to consultants for completing the detailed project report.

The major works include construction of four barrages at an estimated cost of Rs 900 crore, renovation of 217km East Coast Canal, widening of narrow canals, modification of bridges and roads, bank protection and setting up four terminals at Talcher, Balasore, Nasirabad and Rajnagar.

The minimum bed width and depth of the waterway (for 406 river delta portion) will be 45m and 2m respectively to handle vessels of 500tonnes carrying capacity.

In the first phase, the bed width and depth for the 217km East Coast Canal portion will be 32m and 1.5m respectively for vessel size of 200 tonnes.

CM writes to planning commission about Textile Park: Sambada

Chief Minister's actions, Textiles Comments Off on CM writes to planning commission about Textile Park: Sambada

CM writes to PM for Ad Valorem rates on minerals: Samaja

Ad Valorem, Chief Minister's actions, Mine royalty and cess, MINES and MINERALS, Samaja (in Odia) Comments Off on CM writes to PM for Ad Valorem rates on minerals: Samaja

Fiscal situation of Orissa

Odisha govt. action Comments Off on Fiscal situation of Orissa

Following is from a report in Pragativadi.

The 2007-08 fiscal has ended in a satisfactory note in Orissa with a revenue surplus of Rs 4,296.81 crore and a fiscal surplus of Rs 1,410.70 crore as per the pre-actual communicated by the State Accountant General. 

It may be mentioned here that the state had a revenue deficit of Rs 2,574.19 crore and Rs 2,833.75 crore in 1999-2000 and 2001-02 respectively.

The state’s own tax and non-tax revenue collection has reached the level of Rs 9,008.77 crore in 2007-08 excluding debt relief as against collection of Rs 7,890.38 crore in 2006-07. 

However, it has registered a growth rate of 14.18 per cent over the previous year’s collection.
The state’s own revenue, including debt relief during 2007-08 was Rs 9390.67 crore against the projected target of Rs 8,196.28 crore. 

State’s own revenue was Rs 2,420.567 crore in 1999-200 and Rs 4,369.28 crore in 2003-04.
The Plan size of the state was increased to Rs 5,105 crore in 2007-08 as against the Plan size of Rs 3,309.17 crore in 1999-2000. 

Similarly, the State Plan Expenditure in the government sector in 2007-08 has gone up to Rs 5,696.83 crore from the level of Rs 3,496.65 crore.

The developmental expenditure (both in Plan and non-Plan taken together), comprising expenditure under social and economic sector has gone up to Rs 13,059.07 crore in 2007-08. 

However, the non-developmental expenditure has gone down. 

All these are indicative of improvement in the quality of the public expenditure, Finance Minister Prafulla Chandra Ghadai said, adding that the state is gradually moving away from debt stress to debt sustainability. 

Interestingly, the debt stock has come down to 37.73 per cent in 2007-08 from 40.87 per cent in 2006-07.

Tehelka interview with Finance minister: some relevant excerpts

ADMINISTRATION & REPs, CENTER & ODISHA, EXPOSING ANTI-ODISHA-GROWTH SCHEMES, INDUSTRY and INFRASTRUCTURE, INVESTMENTS and INVESTMENT PLANS Comments Off on Tehelka interview with Finance minister: some relevant excerpts

Following is excerpted from a Tehelka interview. SC is one of the inerviewers Shoma Chaudhury.

SC: China has just six SEZs. But our Board of Control cleared more than 200 SEZs in its first sitting. I know that privately you…

It doesn’t matter what I think. We are not talking off the record, and I am reluctant to talk about it because I am bound by government policy. There is some consternation about the way the policy is operating. An empowered group of ministers has been asked to look into it. It’s taking more time than I would have liked, but hopefully some of the concerns expressed will be addressed.

SC: But our industrial projects, our growth centres, our cities have zero concern about environment, human life. Shouldn’t quality of life — a sense of well-being — be a factor in the growth story? France is revising what its GDP should mean to include the intangible but crucial idea of “well-being”.

Yes, but that’s after you reach a certain level of GDP, a certain degree of per capita.

SC: That’s the point. First we must arrive at the crisis, then we will look for the remedies.

Poverty is the worst polluter. If you are poor, you live in the most polluted world. The sanitation is poor, the drinking water is poor, the housing is poor, the air you breathe is poor. Everything is polluted. Poverty is the worst polluter. It’s our right, our duty, to first overcome poverty. In the process, yes, we will be sensitive to concerns expressed by other countries but not at the cost of our growth and our goal of eliminating poverty in our lifetime.

SC: The worrying thing is that on the ground the exact opposite of what you say is happening. Take the POSCO project or Vedanta or the sponge iron factories in Raigad. It is the poor who are suffering the most from the move towards industrialisation. Most of the unrest in the country today is over development projects that are anti-people — in terms of land takeover, resource usage, pollution of water and air. On the very things you talked about — air, water, basic health, basic living — the growth that is meant to alleviate poverty is adding to their misery. Do you call this inevitable collateral or would you admit the way we are going about things is wrong?

I think people are being deceived to believe that the existing state of life is an ideal state of life and development and industrialisation will make it worse. Here we talk about steel prices going up, but for three years we have stopped the world’s largest steel producer from producing steel in India. This could be categorised as a conspiracy of the socially-driven class to keep poor people poor. What is the quality of life we are talking about? They have no food, no jobs, no education, no drinking water. These districts of Orissa have remained poor since the world dawned. They live in abject poverty and you want me to accept the argument that if you set up a steel plant or mine the minerals there, they will become even poorer? What are we talking about?

SC: I am talking about the way it’s done. So what do we do?

We keep the minerals buried in Mother Earth? We keep the iron ore where it is, we keep the coal where it is and keep people poor? Is that what you’re suggesting? I’m telling you, we must develop those iron ore mines, we must mine that coal, we must build industries, we must give jobs to people. If this argument had prevailed there would be no Jamshedpur, and today the quality of life in Jamshedpur is better than in any other city in India. It has 24 hours water supply, electric supply, it has education for all its residents, and it has cleaner air than any other city. Had these people been around to advice Mr Jamshedji Tata in 1908, there would have been no Jamshedpur at all.

SC: There’s little evidence to go by. There was a culture of collective good and nation-building which no longer exists.

I don’t agree that the only ones with conscience and sensitivity to the environment are NGOs, and that business houses and entrepreneurs have no conscience and are totally oblivious to the larger good. I don’t agree at all. Just go to Neyveli and see. What was Neyveli? It was the poorest part of Tamil Nadu and today it is a humming, buzzing town and it has a school which has hundred percent pass results every year. The boys and girls from that school are toppers in competitive examinations. I sincerely hope you do not believe the poor enjoy a high quality of life.

SC: Our governments have been pretty derelict in regulating or nudging corporates to behave well. The Vedanta project in the Niyamgiri hills in Orissa is a good example. It earned international censure for its untenable behaviour in Orissa, a Norwegian fund even divested from it because of that. But here it took a PIL to stall the project. Would you agree that our government is failing to bat for the common good?

We have enough laws to take care of the issue. Apply those laws. If the Central or state government does not enforce environmental laws then blame that government. If the laws are inadequate, strengthen them, but in the name of the environment, for heaven’s sake, please don’t say that the poor should remain poor for the next five thousand years.

SC: Take Vedanta again. I’m asking what is the view from the other side, what is the government’s thinking on them? Even after they were stalled by the Supreme Court, the government asked it to reapply for the project under its Indian company. You argued as a lawyer for them when you weren’t Finance Minister.

In one of their excise cases. What has that got to do with this? Are you insinuating that my answers are coloured by the fact that I appeared for them? If a lawyer is pleading for a client in a murder case, does that imply that he has complicity in the murder? What is the relevance of your statement?

SC: Alright, I’ll withdraw it. I am asking, given their dismal track record in Orissa, why is the government defending their position instead of disqualifying them or pushing them towards better practices?

So do it. Who is preventing you? Apply the laws. But don’t stop the project. That’s the only way of rescuing those people from the clutches of abject poverty.

… SC: It sounds like a pipedream, because the experience on the ground is very different. Look at Gurgaon — emblem of India Shining, coming up on virgin land. It could have been a kind of urban utopia. Instead, there is no water, no electricity, no public transport, huge pollution, and absolutely no space or planning for the poor. Take any other B-town. Moradabad. Siliguri. Patna. Take the megalopolises — imploding under the weight of growth. The poor definitely don’t seem to be benefiting in these places.

So shall we leave people to live in these villages?

SC: I am asking is there a slower, deeper, more varied way of doing things that might not mean instant and insane wealth for a few of us, and yet ensure overall growth?

Apply the laws. Apply town-planning laws. The laws do not allow you to build without providing water and open spaces. You are passing off our collective failure to apply laws upon the model of development itself. I don’t think there is anything wrong with the model of development. It is just the unwillingness of the authorities to enforce rules and regulations. The answer is not to go back to the past and say, if we cannot apply the laws, let’s continue to live in our original state of poverty, neglect and despair.

SC: Let’s go back to national resources, like minerals. When you hand over natio – nal wealth to private corporations driven purely by the profit motive, what is the logic of usage? What’s to stop them cynically destituting a place before moving on?

Don’t hand it over to a private corporation. Set up an efficient PSU if you want.

SC: But you are against PSUs.

We are not, who said we are? We are putting more money in NTPC, SAIL, NMDC. We have revived 29 sick PSUs and put aside 13,000 crores in the last four years for this. So create a PSU. But why this old mental block that private is greed and therefore bad, and public is good.

SC: There are bad examples. Union Carbide, Enron.

If you want to continue with those traditional images of public and private sector you are welcome. The point I’m making is coal and iron ore is not meant to be kept buried under Mother Earth. They have to be put to use. As for your fears about environment and overuse, when we found that mining Kudremukh iron ore is highly polluting, we stopped mining it. But the argument that resources should not be used is an argument that must be rejected. Those who say that have a vested interest in perpetuating poverty.

I am with the finance minister on this.

IDCO’s proposed international convention center in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar- Cuttack- Puri, Convention Center, IDCO, Khordha Comments Off on IDCO’s proposed international convention center in Bhubaneswar

More details at http://www.idcoindia.com/idco/rpfbbsr.asp.

Following is copied from there:

1. View Advertisement

 

2. Download RFP

 

3. Pre-bid Queries / Response

 

A state-of-the-art International Convention Centre (ICC) is being developed at Bhubaneswar with a view to give major thrust to the Meeting, Incentives, Convention and Exhibition (MICE) segment of tourism in Orissa. Orissa Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO) has been designated as the Implementing Agency for ICC project. IL&FS Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (IL&FS IDC) is providing project development advisory services.
 

Project Features

  • International standard Convention Center with seating capacity of 2500 persons in closed auditorium

  • Open auditorium for 2500 persons with open spaces for display and exhibition.

  • Multi-purpose Halls, Exposition Centre, Business Centre

  • Convention Hotels (4-5 star category)

  • Integrated Office Complex

  • Urban Entertainment Zone (Multiplex, Leisure and Recreational Centre)

  • Parking and supporting infrastructure

The Project will come-up on 20.504 acres of prime land near Rasulgarh area. The land is already with IDCO.
 

 

Note :

 

1.  IN CONSIDERATION OF THE REQUESTS MADE BY THE BIDDERS, THE LAST DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF RFP HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO 15.30 HRS. (IST) ON MAY 15, 2008.

Best practices presentations

Best practices Comments Off on Best practices presentations

Following is from http://darpg.nic.in/arpg-website/bestpracticesingovt/bestpractices.asp.

 

1.         Communitization of Public Institutions and Services of Nagaland            

2.         e-Registration in –

–  Maharashtra (SARITA)

–  Punjab (PRISM)

–  Tamil Nadu (STAR)

 

3.         Gyandoot: Community owned Rural Internet Project in Madhya Pradesh

4.         Slum Sanitation in Pune

5.         Resettlement and Rehabilitation of the Urban Poor : the Mumbai Urban Transport Project

6.                  Innovations in primary education –

–  ‘Nali-Kali’ in Karnataka

–  Primary Education for all Village Children, Shishu Shiksha –       Karmasuchi, West Bengal

7.         e-Braille in W.B.

8..        Koshwahini in Maharashtra

9.         Treasury Information System in Karnataka

10.       Treasury Information System in Tamil Nadu

11.       e-Treasury Mission Mode Project

12.      Innovative Strategies for Tribal Development –

–  Attappady Wasteland Comprehensive Environmental Conservation Project

–  BAIF Development Research Foundation, Pune

            13.       Innovations in Health Sector

–  Telemedicine Project in West Bengal

–  Health Call Centre in Andhra Pradesh

            14.      Innovations in Transport Sector

                                    – Indore City Transport Services Ltd.

                                    – Computerization in Transport Department in Punjab


            15.       Empowerment of Women



                              –Stree Shakti (Govt. of NCT of Delhi)

                   –   Franchisee Arrangement entrusted to Local Self Help Groups

          In Uttarakhand Power Corporation Ltd.

             16.      Augmenting Drinking Water Supply

                             – Aapani Yojnna- A Success Story of Rural Water Supply Management

                             – Government of Uttarakhand,  Project Management Unit, Swajal

 

Chief Secretary’s conference 2008

Chief Secy's Conf Comments Off on Chief Secretary’s conference 2008

Following are the presentations available at http://darpg.nic.in/arpg-website/ChiefSectConf/list_of_PPT.htm.

  1.  

  2. Department of Rural Development (6MB)
     
  3. Rajiv Gandhi National Drinking Water Mission (34 MB)
     
  4. Implementation of Major Initiatives in Higher Education in the XI Plan (0.5 MB)

Keonjhar-Puri train to start towards the end of June: Samaja

ECOR, Keonjhar, Odisha MPs, Railway Budget 2008, Samaja (in Odia) 13 Comments »

Orissa government’s incentives to attract industries: IPR 2007

Odisha govt. action, Team Odisha Comments Off on Orissa government’s incentives to attract industries: IPR 2007

Following is from http://teamorissa.org/IPR_2007.zip. There is a lot of other useful information for industries looking for a home in the teamorissa web site.

Overview of Fiscal incentives offered by the Govt. of Orissa-IPR2007
(to eligible New units and existing units on substantial expansion which commence commercial production)

Sl.
IPR-
Incentive
SSI/ Tiny units
Medium
Large
Mega
Thrust sector*
Priority
IP/IE/SEZ
No
para
 
 
 
 
projects
 
sector
developer
 
 
(2)
(3)
(4)
 
(Graded)
 
 
 
(1)
 
 
 
 
 
(5)
 
 
 
1.
17.2
Stamp duty exemption
100%
50%
25%
NM
100%
50%
100%
2.
18.1
VAT exemption

100%-KVIC & H/craft, Coir etc.

NM
NM
NM
NM
NM
NM
3.
18.2
Entry Tax exemption

i. 100% on P&M ii. RM-5 yrs or 100% FCI

NM
NM
NM

1.100% on P&M 2. RM-5 yrs or 100% FCI

NM
NM
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(CtoC-cabinet)
 
 
4.
18.3
CST
NM
NM
NM
NM
@2% for 10 yrs or 100% FCI
NM
NM
5.
18.4
VAT Reimbursement
50%-5 yrs or 100%
50%-5 yrs
NM
NM
75%-10 yrs or
75%-5 yrs
NM
 
 
 
FCI
or 100%
 
 
200% FCI
or 100%
 
 
 
 
 
FCI
 
 
 
FCI
 
6.
18.5
Entertainment Tax for
100%
100%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Multiplexes FCI> Rs 3
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
crore: Reimbursement
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7.
19.1
Interest subsidy

@5% on term loan for 5 yrs with limit of Rs 10 lakh – Micro

NM
NM
NM

@5% on term loan for 5 yrs with limit of Rs 1 crore

NM
NM
 
 
 
and 20 lakh SSI
 
 
 
 
 
 
8.
20.1

Power: Electricity Duty exemption

100% Exemption for 5 years for contract demand of 110 KVA

same as (3)
same as (3)
same as (3)

100% Exemption for 5 years for contract demand

same as (3)
NM
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
upto 5 MW
 
 
9.
21
Patents registration
@ 50% with limit of
same as
same as
same as
same as (3)
same as
NM
 
 
cost reimbursement
Rs 5 Lakh
(3)
(3)
(3)
 
(3)
 
10.
22
Quality certification
50% of the
same as
same as
same as
same as (3)
same as
NM
 
 
(ISO) charges
expenditure with limit
(3)
(3)
(3)
 
(3)
 
 
 
reimbursement
of Rs 2 lakh
 
 
 
 
 
 
11.
23
Technical Know-how
50% of the
NM
NM
NM
50% of the
NM
NM
 
 
cost reimbursement

expenditure with limit of Rs 1 lakh–D

 
 
 

expenditure with limit of Rs 1lakh– D

 
 
 
 
 
Rs 5 lakh-M
 
 
 
Rs 5 lakh-M
 
 
12.
 
Investment Subsidy
NM
NM
NM
NM
NM
NM
NM
 

1

 
 
 

Source- Industrial Policy Resolution 2007

NM- Not mentioned; FCI-Fixed capital investment P&M-Plant and Machinery

* “Thrust Sector” means new industrial units in the following categories which commence fixed capital investment on or after the effective date and full fill the criteria stipulated as under.

Sector

Minimum Capital Investment

Employment Generation
 
 
(Direct)
Agro-Processing
Rs. 25 crore
100
Automobiles
Rs. 300crore
500
Auto-Components
Rs. 50 crore
200
Textile
Rs. 50 crore
500
Apparel
Rs. 10 crore
500
Ancillary & Down Stream
Rs. 10 crore
100
 

Note – Government may, by notification modify the above list and criteria as and when necessary.

“Priority Sectors” means – New Industrial units where fixed capital investment commences on or after the effective date and fall within the following categories. 1) Information technology and IT enabled service 2) Tourism related (hotels shall not be eligible for any fiscal incentive other than land at concessional industrial rate) 3) Bio-technology 4) Petroleum, Chemicals & Petro-chemicals 5) Pharmaceuticals 6) Handicraft, Handloom, Coir and Leather products 7) Gem stone cutting and polishing 8) Sea food Processing 9) Fly ash & Blast furnace slag based industries utilizing a minimum of 25% by weight as base raw material 10) Any industry other than mineral extraction and mineral based industries, which export more than 50% of its total turnover, duly certified by the Director, Export Promotion and Marketing. 11) Units not qualifying for “Thrust Sector” status for not meeting minimum capital investment criteria. Note – Government may, by notification modify the above list.

2

State Public sector IDCOL is doing well

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Following is an excerpt from a report in Pioneer and tathya.in.

The State-run Industrial Development Corporation of Orissa Limited (IDCOL) plans to invest Rs 1,000 crore by 2015. Speaking on the occasion of the 47th Foundation Day of the IDCOL on Saturday, its Managing Director Ashok K Meena said a Vision Document has been prepared and, accordingly, the investment proposition has been envisaged.

He announced that with the rate of success in achieving Rs 475 crore as turnover and Rs 100 crore as cash surplus, the PSU has embarked upon for short, medium and long-term measures to make the industrial conglomerate a really international one.

Land acquisition status of the proposed shipyard near Dhamara

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Orissa’s efforts to attract ancillary industries

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Following is an excerpt from a report in Financial Express.

An 11-member team comprising industrialists from Haryana, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh is on a three-day visit to Orissa to explore possibilities of investments in ancillary industries. The team on Wednesday visited the Kalinga Nagar Industrial Complex at Dubri in Jajpur district.

Orissa is now focusing on ancillary units of mega projects that are coming up in the state with a view to further value addition and employment generation.

While the proposed Jindal Stainless Steel Downstream Park (SEZ) at Kalinga Nagar is the focus, the government is also promoting the Choudwar Industrial estate to the visitors. Orissa is keen to have ancillary industries in Rourkela, Sambalpur, Paradip and Dhamra regions in addition to the Somnathpur Industrial Estate in Balasore.

The steel SEZ (JSSL) is to come up on 300 acres near the 1.6 mtpa steel plant project of Jindal Stainless, and will house industries to move up the value chain by churning out specific products for different sectors. Investment in the SEZ is envisaged to be to the tune of Rs 1,500 crore.

A study conducted by JSSL and international consultancy firm CB Richard Elis has pointed out that the precision cold rolling, pipes and tubes, auto components, engineering products, kitchenware and lifestyle products hold much promise.

"Advantages of setting up projects in Orissa are manifold as it is at the core of emerging Markets in eastern India comprising West Bengal, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and north east", the director industries, Hemanta Sharma, told the visiting industries. It is also the gateway to the Southeast Asian countries in terms of exports, he added.

The state government had lined up a comprehensive package including incentives and concessions to promote ancillary enterprises, Sharma said.

Asserting profitability of the ventures here, CEO of Jindal Stainless SS Virdi said applications of steel are growing faster compared with any metals as per capita consumption (PCC) is on the rise. In India, the PCC is only 1.1 kg compared with 15-20 kg in developed countries.

CM meets the union tourism minister

Airports and air connectivity, Bhubaneswar- Cuttack- Puri, Chief Minister's actions, Khordha, Konark, Press release, Odisha Govt., Puri, Puri, Railways, Sites in and around Bhubaneswar, TOURISM, ENTERTAINMENT and SHOPPING, Tourist promotion Comments Off on CM meets the union tourism minister

The following is from http://rc.orissa.gov.in/index3.asp?linkid=30&sublinkid=411.

PRESS RELEASE

DT.20.03.2008

GOVERNMENT OF ORISSA PRESS RELEASE

New Delhi March 20, 2008

Shri Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister, Orissa met Smt. Ambika Soni, Union Minister, Tourism & Culture today and discussed about various tourism projects of the State. The Chief Minister demanded for an early sanction of Rs.50 crore for development of tourism infrastructure and facilities in the famous tourism circuit of Bhubaneswar-Konark-Puri-Chilika under the Mega Circuit Scheme. The Union Minister agreed to include the circuit of Bhubaneswar-Konark-Puri-Chilika under the Mega Circuit Scheme and extend all necessary assistance under the scheme for its integrated development. She also agreed to consider release of 50% of the funds immediately.

The Chief Minister asked for a direct flight and a thematic tourist train to connect Varanasi and Bodhigaya with the Buddhist sites of Orissa. This would provide a great boost to employment and tourism in the State. The Union Minister intimated that the Government of India will extend all support for the connectivity of the Buddist sites. She also agreed to take up the matter with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Ministry of Railways soon. She also intimated that the matter of rail connectivity of Bhubaneswar, Banaras and Gaya will be discussed with the Planning Commission and Ministry of Railways soon.

The Chief Minister urged the Union Minister to take up the project of sound and light show for Konark, which is a world heritage site and also for the historic Barabati Fort at Cuttack. The Union Minister was also requested for expeditious completion of the sound and light show at Khandagiri. The Chief Minister also demanded for better maintenance of the historical monuments, Buddhist sites, temples and other protected monuments by the Archeological Survey of India.

Orissa proposes several sites to the central govt. for an international size shipyard

Astaranga, Puri (Navayuga interested), Bahuda Muhana, Ganjam (many interested), Gopalpur port (under constr.), Odisha govt. action, Palur, Ganjam (Future metals interested) 1 Comment »

Following is from http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=36827.

RAJYA SABHA

There is a proposal for setting up two international size shipyards, one on the East Coast and another on the West Coast of India. 

An international size shipyard may build and repair ships upto the size of Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) which has a carrying capacity of 300,000 Tonnes (DWT).  The shipyard may be located in a place which has 10-12 metres water depth at the jetty.  The international size shipyard may have at least two and preferably three big dry docks (2 for building and 1 for repair), a quayside length of at least 2.5 kms and various support facilities for building and assembly of ships.   

 

Maritime States were requested by the Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways to identify suitable location for setting up of international size shipyards, one each on the East Coast and West Coast of India respectively.  In response, the following locations have been suggested by the Maritime States: 
 

S. No. Name of State Site Proposed/Response of the State Government
1. Government of Karnataka Tadri Port (Kundle Beach) and Honne Beach under Belekeri Port
2. Government of Kerala Poovar in Thiruvananthapuram District onKerala-Tamil Nadu Border
3. Government of Orissa (i) Nuagarh (Astaranga) Distt. Puri (ii) Palur, Distt. Ganjam(iii) Gopalpur Port at Arjipalli, Chatrapur, Distt. Ganjam(iv) Bahuda Muhana (Sonepur), Distt. Ganjam
4. Government of Andhra Pradesh Vodarevu in Prakasam District
5. Government of West Bengal No specific site proposed as yet.
6. Government of Gujarat Government of Gujarat has proposed a few stretches such as Salaya, Jodiya, Mundra, Chanch and Pipavav and Tuna. 

   Upon receipt of the proposals from the State Governments, further information/clarifications have been sought by the Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways from the respective State Governments.   

The nodal agencies viz. Ennore Port Limited and Mumbai Port Trust have been authorized to appoint Consultants with clear terms of reference who inter alia, would identify 3 or 4 alternative sites each for setting up of shipyard on West Coast and East Coast of India respectively and also suggest optimal locations with detailed justification.  The process for appointment of Consultants has been initiated by the nodal agencies. 

 

 The following basic requirements are preferable for setting up of an international size shipyard: 

(i) The minimum land requirement of 1000-1500 acres and waterfront of about 2.5 Kms in length; 

(ii) Water draft of 10 to 12 metres;

(iii) The site location for the proposed shipyards to have good rail and road connectivity;

(iv) Contiguity to a Major Port situated within the State. 

This information was given  by the Minister of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, Shri T.R. Baalu in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

Orissa to rework its coastal highway plan

Balasore, Bhadrakh, Coastal highway, Coastal highway - beach preservation, Ganjam, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, Khordha, Odisha govt. action, Puri 1 Comment »

Following is from a report in New Indian Express.

The State Government has decided to revive the Gopalpur-Digha coastal highway proposal. Announcing this on Monday during question hour, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Raghunath Mohanty said the proposal would be submitted to the Centre for approval after completion of the feasibility report.

Mohanty, who was replying on behalf of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, said that the length of the highway will be 573 km. Of this, the Astaranga-Dhamra patch will be 245 km while the length of Astaranga-Gopalpur will be 180 km. The patch of highway from Dhamra to Subarnarekha will be 148 km.

The State Government had earlier submitted a proposal to the Centre and requested that it should be included in a Central scheme. However, the proposal was rejected as it did not confirm to the guidelines of the Planning Commission.

Single window clearance of various projects

Balasore, Balasore- Chandipur, Bhubaneswar- Cuttack- Puri, Bhubaneswar-Pipli- Astaranga, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Hydro, Solar and other renewable, Khordha, Land acquisition, Mukesh Ambani group, Odisha govt. action, Paper and newsprint, Puri, Single Window Clearance (SLSWCA), Steel, Tathya.in, Thermal Comments Off on Single window clearance of various projects

Following is excerpted from a report in tathya.in. The various projects that were cleared are:

  • A 12 MTPA Greenfield steel mill at Astaranga in Puri district by Navayug Steels Limited with an investment of Rs.34,000 crore. Linkage for iron ore has not been covered in the proposed mega project. The Navayug Group is setting up a port in Astaranga with an investment of Rs.6000 crore and a 2640 mw mega thermal power plant with an investment of Rs.11200 crore in Astaranga.
  • Bhusan Steels Limited (BSL), which is setting up a 3.10 MTPA steel mill in Meramundali in Dhenkanal was allowed to expand it’s capacity to produce 9 mtpa with an additional investment of Rs.20,804 crore.
  • Reliable Sponge’s proposal to set up a 0.25 MTPA steel plant along with a 24 mw captive power plant having a total investment of Rs.227.13 crore was cleared by the Authority.
  • Emami Paper Mills Limited (EPML) proposal for a 1.32 lakh ton per annum Newsprint unit along with a co-generation power plant for an investment of Rs.500 crore was cleared.  EPML has established a paper mill at Balasore in 1982 and the new plant will come up in the same area. 
  • Purvi Bharat Paper & Power (PBPP) has proposed for a 33,000 TPA writing & printing paper mill at Choudwar in Cuttack district with an investment of Rs.90.50 crore.
  • The proposal to set up 5 mw solar park near Bhubaneswar with an investment of Rs.125 crore by Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) received clearance of the Authority.
  • In total, the State Level Single Window Clearance Authority (SLSWCA) on 17 March cleared the proposed investment of Rs.55,650 crore in 6 projects.

 

Orissa govt. information ad for Scheduled tribes and other traditional inhabitants of forests: Samaja

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Orissa MPs’ statements in the LokSabha on the Railway budget

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Statements were made by B. Mahtab, B. Panda, Braja K Tripathy,  Arjun Sethi, Prasanna Patsani, Ananta Nayak and Kharabela Swain.  They asked for all kinds of things. I wish they had prioritized and focused on 2-3 things, namely Khurda-Balangir, Lanjigarh Rd – Junagarh – Jeypore – Malkangiri and Baripada – Bangiriposi – Buramara on the basis of connecting to tribal and naxal infested hinterlands. Following is the transcript from http://164.100.24.209/newls/textofdebatedetail.aspx?sdate=03/10/2008.

*SHRI B. MAHTAB (CUTTACK) : Respected Sir, I stand here today to deliberate on the Railway Budget 2008-09 which has received both laurels and brickbats from the thinking public. At the outset I must mention that the Railway Minister’s opening remarks about a cash surplus of Rs 25,000 crore before dividend is clearly a meaningless figure. The surplus after payment of all dues, including dividend, to the general exchequer is only Rs 13,534 crore. This is what can be invested. This is Mr Lalu Prasadji’s fifth consecutive Rail Budget. This years Railway Budget reads like a wish list for the Indian Railways. Announcements like capacity bulding of high density network, port connectivity, freight corriders, stainless steel wagons, higher axle loads etc. on the freight side are praiseworthy and in the passenger sector, use of stainless coaches, green toilets, improved passenger infromation systems and facilities, reduction of fares etc. will please many no doubt, yet there is cause for concern too. The pronouncements do not match the deeds. The budget is an occasion to review the progress of important projects. Apart from the DFC, mega projects like the wheel factory at Chhapra, Electric Loco Factory at Madhepura, the coach unit at RaeBareilly and the Diesel Loco Factory have yet to take off. A new coach factory in Kerala has been added to this list now. The list of sanctioned railway projects of maybe more than Rs 75,000 crore is now a serious worry since more get added each year with painfully slow completion. The production units of Indian Railway loco works at Chittaranjan, Varanasi, coach units at Chennai and Kapurthala, wheel factory at Bengaluru can be made into international hubs supplying to railway system worldwide with more capital investment and new technology. But very little has been said on this. The minister had announced a possible corporatisation of Rail Coach Factory Kapurthala in the 2006-07 budget. What progress has been done in this direction?

 

 

* Laid on the Table.



           Budget 2007-08 had spoken of pre-feasibility studies for high speed train corridors which do not find any mention this year. I hope the idea has not been abandoned as such links will bring economic development around important cities as it has taken place in other countries. But the Railway Minister has demonstrated lack of vision. I fail to under the logic of growth rate of 8% by the Railways when the entire economy is growing at a rate of 8.5% to 9%. The cash surplus figures, which I have stated earlier in just bunkum. If the Railways has a cash surplus of Rs 25000 crore then what was the need for seeking budgetary support from the Union Finance Ministry? What one should understand is how much is the quantum of investible surplus.

There are a lot of anomolies when one goes into the details of this years Railway Budget. The freight loading may be taken as an example. The freight loading target of 850 million tonnes is marginally less than the 8 percent growth rate target of 858 million tonnes projected for the Ninth Plan by the Railways. How can one say there is progress?

Similarly an adhoc provision of Rs 5000 crore for expenditure arising from anticipated recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission would appear to be less than the 30 percent increase experienced at the time of implementation of the Fifth Pay Commission recommendation. It can only be hoped that this figure will not be wide of the mark. The allotment of only Rs 600 crore for bridges, as compared to Rs 700 crore for Road over Bridge / Road under Bridges seem inadequate when one takes into consideration that a large number of bridges even now require attention, being more than 100 years old and particularly considering the increased axle loads being permitted or proposed to be introduced. Higher levels of Overloading are taking place now. I am sure the Government is aware about the Railway study made recently on the South Eastern sector which has revealed that the extent of overloading has gone up significantly after the axle load was increased to 22.9 tonnes from 20.32 tonnes. We are all aware that South Eastern Railway deals primarily with iron ore traffic. Earlies, that is, before 2005, wagons were overloaded to the extent of 24-25 tonnes per axle most of the time, However, in 2006 and 2007, when Railways allowed higher levels (22.9 tonnes) of axle load, wagons were over loaded at 28-29 tonnes and even 30 tonnes per axle at times. Excess loads damages the rail tracks and wheels resulting in faster wear and tear. For Railways, which uses the same tracks to such passenger trains this has emerged as a major concern as damaged rails could even result in accidents if not detected on time, apart from higher maintenance costs.

In the past four years, Indian Railways transported an additional 233 million tonnes of originating freight traffic and in the next four years, it proposes to handle an additional 310 mt. How it is going to be achieved? It is not clear from the Budget for 2008-09. What has been presented in the Budget are some sign posts; not a clear road map. The freight traffic growth of the Railways has been steadily dwindling. For the past few years, the Railways has been transporting on an average an additional 60mt every year. The fallout of it is that the Railways continue to lose its market share to other modes of transportation. Nothing substantial has been done to meet this challenge.

I now come to another unpleasant issue. There was no crying demand for bringing the fares down, certainly not from those who travelled AC First, AC Sleeper or AC Chair Car. They would not have minded if the Railway Minister had maintained the status quo for they choose the higher classes of their own volition, only after making sure that they can afford it. The fare reduction of those classes are not also such as to attract significantly more passengers. Similarly, the tinkering with freight reduction too will have only a marginal effect on prices, if at all. There is no specific assurance in the Budget speech that so many new trains will not cause serious traffic congestion and affect the quality and regularity of track maintenance and that they will not compromise safety consideration. New passenger trains also eat into the time and space for movement of goods train which are not only the chief bread winner of the system but also keep the sinew’s of the economy strong. Any operational decision that slows them down will have a cascading effect in the sense of pulling down the volume and velocity of transactions in all resorts. For these reasons, the Traffic wing of the Railway Board had always been opposed to excessive number of new passenger trains.

This year Fifty-three new trains have been announced on a saturated system, without making provision to improve the infrastructure. Speed of trains is the other aspect which needs deliberation. On a high-density network, accounting for nearly one-third of the coun­try’s total rail network of 66,000 km, the coverage speed of passenger train is 55 km and goods train 20 km. Even Rajdhani and Shatabdi Express run at an average speed of 75 km. The Fastest passenger train is Shatabdi Express between Bhopal and Kanpur with an average speed of 140 km. Isn’t this well below the speed of fast trains the Railway Minister vowed to introduce after visiting countries where such trains operate? There are some unanswered questions even today. Why is the average turnaround time of wagons are still so high despite slashing of the free time and like in demurrage? Why are more diesel locomotives proposed to be acquired despite the announcement to go for electrification of more routes?

It is good to know that issues such as port connectivity and elbowing of lines will receive a good deal of attention. But then one couldn’t be sure of the outcome of such an initiative if the issue is left of Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd to handle. There are instances where the port connectivity and doubling projects have made little progress because RVNL is not convinced of their viability. The real problems facing the Railways are an acute con­gestion on certain busy freight routes and chronic shortage of locomotives. These prob­lems have not been addressed in the Budget.



Railways Minister proposes to upgrade infrastructure at an estimated investment of Rs 75,000 crore in the next seven years. Where is the money going to come from ? If the Railways wants bigger private participation, it will perhaps have to take a re-look at its present public- private partnership model. Correct policies to attract private investments are needed. Sadly, the Rail Budget lacks such policy initiatives. What has happened to the dedicated rail freight corridor? We have been hearing about this corroder for the past three years. Prime Minister had laid the foundation stone for this project way back in September/ October 2006 in Mumbai and Ludhiana. Has a single brick been laid so far ? We have been hearing about the plans to convert New Delhi Station into a world-class station. But nothing has been done so far to execute this project. If this pace of work continues, can we expect the work to be completed before the Commonwealth Games?

Railways Minister has made a number of announcements relating to new trains, low­ering the train fare etc On a careful study, one finds that a number of New trains can only ply after around 7 to 8 years because tracks are not there and in many places gauge conversion is necessary, which may take years. I wll give one example which is very glaring. It is announcement of running a new passenger train from Hajipur to Phulberia. This Phulberia is a wellknown place because of the Railways Minister. But a passenger train can only ply after new track is laid. Can it be done in the ensuing financial year? Will this passenger train ply in 2008-09? I leave it to your wisdom. Similarly there are a dozen of new trains that are announced by Railway Minister which can ply only after tracks are converted from Narrow gauze to Broad Gauze.

Next is the most interesting part relating to lowering the passenger fare. A general impression amongst the public is that henceforward train fare will become cheaper. But is it so? This fare reduction has come with certain conditions. It is applicable only on Sleeper Class, AC Chair Car and 3 Tier where the reduction will be 2 percent provided the passengers travel in the newly designed high capacity compartments. I tried to find out what are these high capacity compartments. Today, normal Sleeper Class compartments have 72 Berths, the high capacity will have 84. AC 3 Tier has 64 and it will be enhanced to 72. AC chair car has 67 and it will increase to 102. Railways Minister has announced that new compartments are being manufactured. Those which have been sent for repair, will also come, he has said. But from close quarters of Rail Bhawan, it is learnt that, at present only 225 newly designed high capacity compartments are available. It will take not less than 7 to 8 years to convert all compartments to high capacity. Should we believe that the passengers have to wait till then?

The other announcement is relating to reduction of ticket-fare in some "popular" trains during peak hour. There are nearly 1600 Mail and Express trains plying in our country out of which 400 are considered, "Popular", I do not know in what category. It is very cumber­some to implement this, no doubt, but the general impression has been created through the Budget speech that train fare has been slashed though it is seasonal. Very strange are the ways of the Railways Minister. Strange indeed!

At its juncture I must raise certain issues for the considerable of the Railway Minister. It relates to Freedom Fighters. Since 70s, Freedom Fighters are provided with free rail travel pass for which Ministry of Home Affairs had deposited the money. The number of Freedom Fighters are quite less today in comparison to that of 70s or 80s. I have been appealing time and again that the restriction of travel in Super Fast Trains like Shatabdi, Jana Shatabdi and Rajdhani should go. They are old and infirm and very few of them actually travel. Why can’t you provide them a little comfort. They donot seek priority in reservation. Allow them these superfast train travel only when vacancy is available.



I take this opportunity to reiterate again that for the speedy development of infrastruc­ture in Orissa, Indian Railways should provide a package which includes allocation of funds for ongoing projects, sanction of new lines, introduction of new trains, extension and increase in frequency of mail/ express trains, and improve passenger amenities. There is an urgent need to complete Daitary-Banspani BG rail link and introduce coaching services in this sector. Rail link costruction work between Bhawanipatna to Junagarh should start immediately. There is a demand to extend Naupada-Gunupur BG rail link to Thiruvali which would enable increase in cargo generation at Gopalpur port. Two projects, such as Khurda Road-Bolangir and Haridaspur-Paradeep proposed rail link is progress­ing at a very slow pace. In these new rail lines the rate of return is high, yet I fail to under­stand why Railway is not allocating funds for completion of these two projects in a time bound manner.

The survey report of Talcher-Gopalpur Broad gauze rail-link is before the Ministry which has indicated a favourable rate of return. The recent thrust of industrialisation in Orissa with setting up of Steel, Power and Aluminium Plants would require a dedicated railway link between Talcher to Gopalpur for export and import of raw materials and finished products. However, I must thank Railway Minister for starting 4 new trains and increasing the frequency of Rajdhani Express. The new train connecting Allahabad to Sambalpur was a long pending demand which has been adhered to. I would urge upon the Minister to con­sider starting a new Express train from Paradeep to Mumbai which would connect the east-coast to the western shores of our country. In this Budget, attempt has been made to recognise the problem of unmanned level crossing and congestion at busy level crossing which needs Road over bridge. Two such Road overbridge are essential in and around Cuttack now. One at Gopalpur and another at Kapilash Road-Tangi. Necessary steps may be taken to include these two projects in this years Budget.

As large parts of Orissa are being developed by East Coast Zone, the functioning of this Zone is of great interest to us. It was after long fight that this zone was created. Our impression was that it would be full fledged by now in its 10 years of existence. But that is not so. I will give you instances. In 2007-08, Sambalpur-Titlagarh and Titlagarh-Raipur Doubling project was listed. Asian Development Bank was supposed to finance this Rs.1680 cr project. Last year provision of Rs.10 Crore was made. The technical survey and de­tailed estimate was done by East Coast Railway and after that tender was floated. The area comes under East Coast Railway Zone. But Railway Vikash Nigam didn’t entrust these job to the project implementation unit of East Coast Railways but was given one to Kolkata and another to Bilashpur Project implementation unit. Why this has been done? There has been cost escalation of high order. Almost double the amount of the project cost. Will the Minister look into it? Also appraise us the reason why the jobs were taken away from East Coast Zone.

Before I conclude, I must say that Railway Minister’s performance as the Railway Minister in the past five years has been impressive in the sense that he presented five budgets in a row, all surpluses and has succeeded in projecting Indian Railways as one of the high performers. But would it not also be in order to have a performance assessment of how many of the promises made in the earlier Budgets have actually been delivered upon. What needs to be remembered is that, despite impressive strides in recent years on the financial and safety fronts, when compared to major world railways, the Indian Railways has a very long way to go in terms of quality of service and productivity. There are tremendous challenges to be overcome. Therefore, there is no room for compla­cency or misplaced munificence.

 (ends)

 



1402 hours

*SHRI BRAHMANANDA PANDA (JAGATSINGHPUR): Hon’ble Speaker Sir, I  thank you for giving me this opportunity to speak on the Railway Budget of 2008-2009.  The Railway Budget is like a milestone in the progress of a nation.  It’s a reflection on the unity, integrity and diversity of our huge country.  Railway is the unifying force in this country.

          This House has witnessed discussions regarding the welfare of our population, especially of the deprived section the labours, the farmers and the working class.  Everybody cutting across party lines expresses sympathy, but sometimes it remains a mere lip service.

          Sir, India is a land of diversity with many languages, religions, castes and creeds.  I come for the holy land of Lord Jagannath who is a symbol of secularism.  He had a devotee named Salabega who was a muslim and a devotee named ‘Dasia’ who was from the Dalit community.  In this context sir, when I rise to speak my heart pines for my people.  Wheneven any national leader visit my state they all highlight the poverty, squalour and the deprivation of my people.  Orissa is famous as a backward, poverty-stricken state.

          In the recent past Orissa has had some distinguished visitors like Mr. Sharad Pawar etc. Now Mr. Rahul Gandhi is on a tour to Orissa. He has expressed his anguish after witnessing the deprived state of Orissa’s poor-the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe community.  The sincerity of his sympathies is doubtful.

          Sir, you are a leader of the proletariat class and you stand for the interest of the proletariat class.  Hence I believe you will empathise with me and allow me to point out the flaws in the Railway Budget.  Sir, as far as safety and security of the passengers  are concerned, very  little  has  been  done  in this  regard.  A  Railway

 

*Original in Oriya.

 

passenger is subjected to loot, dacoity, accident as well as terrorism.  A person traveling by train is unsure of reaching his destination.  Hon’ble Railway Minister is speaking of modernization.  But I must provide a secured environment for railway passengers.  I applaud his steps which are taken to extend facilities to women and senior citizens.  I also hope that he will look at Orissa with a benevolent eye. Orissa is a backward state but not a poor state.  It is a beautiful land filled with natural resources,  minnerals, verdant forests and has a long coast line of 480 Kms. Visitors to Orissa get spellbound with the beauty of this land.  That is why our Chief Minister has written a letter to the Hon’ble Railway Minister to pay attention to the demands of Orissa, so that the Railway map of Orissa will change.  Orissa is now a favourite destination of industrial groups like POSCO, Arcellor Mittal and Vedanta etc.  Orissa needs to make giant strides to catch up with other states. Hence development of Railway infrastructure is very vital to the progress of Orissa.

MR. CHAIRMAN (SHRI VARKALA RADHAKRISHNAN): Hon. Member, please conclude now.

SHRI BRAHMANANDA PANDA (JAGATSINGHPUR): Sir, you must give me a considerable amount of time… (Interruptions)

MR. CHAIRMAN: That is what I have told you.  Or, somebody else may have to come here; I cannot be here.

SHRI BRAHMANANDA PANDA (JAGATSINGHPUR): In that case, I am not going to speak anything.

MR. CHAIRMAN:  Please conclude.

SHRI BRAHMANANDA PANDA (JAGATSINGHPUR): Mr. Chairman, Sir, you must allow me   a considerable amount of time to speak.



MR. CHAIRMAN:  You can give the remaining portion of your speech, in writing.  You may write any number of pages, and place it on the Table; it will be taken as recorded.

SHRI BRAHMANANDA PANDA (JAGATSINGHPUR): Sir, this is not fair. When I am here to speak   about my State, I should be allowed to speak.

MR. CHAIRMAN:  Whatever idea you have about the Railways, you may write an essay or even a book; you may place it on the Table; and it would be considered as recorded.  Please understand that we have time constraint.

SHRI BRAHMANANDA PANDA (JAGATSINGHPUR): Then, why these people are allowed to speak in the House. … (Interruptions) That is why Orissa has become a backward State.  I am here to speak about my State of Orissa.… (Interruptions)

MR. CHAIRMAN:  Even in the evening you would not be here, but I will have to be here till midnight.

          You may continue your speech. Try to conclude as early as possible.

*SHRI BRAHMANANDA PANDA (JAGATSINGHPUR) :          Sir, there are many projects which has been sanctioned by the Central Government but work is

yet to start.  There are some projects which remain unfinished  due to dearth of funds. With a  financial allocation the work can be completed.  The Langigarh and Junagarh railway line needs to be completed.  Members of the House Committee of Orissa Legislative Assembly and Chief Minister had met Hon’ble Railway Minister regarding this division.

          Likewise there is the Khurda road and Bolargir railway line which remains pending from a long time.  This is a tribal dominant area.  The people remain backward due to regional imbalance and negligence by the Central Government.  They remain cut off  from  the  mainstream.  That  is why ‘Naxalism’ is on the rise

 

 

*Original in Oriya.

here.  Repeatedly we have demanded in this August House that the Khurda-Bolargir Railway Project work should be speeded up but the vain. The Central Government in unnecessarily delaying the release of fund.  Similarly we have many on going projects like the Haridaspur-Paradeep railway line, Angul-Duburi railway line, Sukinda-Tarcher-Bimlagarh line, Rupsa-Bangiriposi and Nuapada-Gunupur  railway  line etc. which  await allocation of funds.  People of these areas are now indulging in Naxalism and Maoism etc.  There are also some railway projects where doubling and electrification of railway line is very essential like Daitari-Banspani railway line, Talcher-Sambalpur, Haridaspur-Paradeep railway line Koraput-Rayagada, Sambalpu-Talcher etc.  There are many projects which awaits survey.  We draw the attention of the Railway Minister to ensure an early survey.

          We demand introduction of new trains from Bhubaneswar to Koraput, from Jeypur to Malkangiri, from Bargarh-Nuapada, Berhampur, Phulbhani to Puri-Konark..

          Sir, the Konark temple is a world famous architectural marvel.  Gurudev Ravidra Nath Tagore had described as poetry on stone.  This beautiful place will attract more tourists if well-connected by Railway.  Sir Phulbani is a district of tribals.  Even after 60 years of independence the people of this area remain untouched by Railway.  They have neither seen a train nor a railway track.  Its is a very sad commentary on the state of affairs today. 

Sir, I would like to draw the attention of the Railway Minister to introduce some new super fast trains which will connect Orissa to New Delhi.  In Orissa there are trains without pantry-car facility for example the Heerakhand Exp, which plys between Bhubaneswar and Koraput.  Tribal districts of Orissa should be well-connected to New Delhi.

          Now I will speak about my own constituency, Jagatsinghpur which houses the famous Paradeep port.  It’s a milestone in our nation’s economic progress. It is the deepest natural port in the east coast.  Paradeep port earns revenue for the country.  However the full potential of this port is not being properly exploited because the doubling of railway bridge over river Mahanadi has not been done yet. Again Sir my constituency houses the shrine of Goddess Maa Sarala who is compared to Mata Vaishno Devi. But the place has no railway connectivity and hence tourists face difficulty.  The trains which ply between Paradeep to Bhubaneswar may be further extended to Puri. Sir we have been demanding for a long time  that Rajdhani Exp. should ply between Bhubaneswar and New Delhi on a daily basis.  That has not happened. Sir, I would like to draw you attention to Junagarh-  Ambaguda railway line and Kantabanjhi-Jeypur railway line which should be laid via Khariar and Nawarangpur.  Sir there areas have predominantly tribal population.  Laying down of railway lines will integrate them to the mainstream.  Our Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik dreams of a economically strong vibrant and progressive Orissa.  His dreams can only be fulfilled if the Central Government and the Ministry of Railway in particular lends a helping hand. Funds should be provided to expedite the on-going projects.  The financial aid should come in a time-bound manner so that the projects can see the light of the day.  Sir I would conclude with a poem which was recited by Gopabandhu Das which describing the beauty of lake Chilka……

          “O’  train do stop here for a moment,

          I want to enjoy the splendour of a,

          Painting called Chilka”.

          Sir, I thank you for allowing me to speak on the Railway Budget.

Jai Jagannatha.

(ends)

*SHRI BRAJA KISHORE TRIPATHY (PURI): I bring to the kind notice of Hon’ble Minister of Railways through you for allotment of additional funds for Orissa in the budget for expediting the ongoing Railway project in the State and inclusion of new projects in the Railway Budget 2008-2009 which have not been covered in the present Budget.

Hon’ble Speaker Sir, as in the past, Orissa which is ranked much below the national average in the Railway Map of India, has been discriminated upon and also neglected in the allotment of funds in the present Railway Budget even though the East Coast Railway and portion of South Eastern Railway which pass through the state of Orissa are measure revenue earners for the Indian Railway. This is an unbalanced Budget which has not catered to the need of regional requirement and prospective Railway expanding Zone. Whereas captive thermal power plant have been proposed in the state off Bihar, new coach factory in Kerala, Wagon reconstruction in 6arkha in Chapra Distt of Bihar, allotment of Rs.200 crore for modernisation of railway workshop in West Bengal and allotment of Rs.80 crore at Jamalpur, no new project worth substance has been introduced in Orissa. No allotment has been made for the introduction of new projects in Orissa.

I thank through you to the Hon’ble Railway Minister for introducing a Garib Rath from Ranchi to Bhubaneswar in the last Railway Budget but Sir, this is not sufficient. I would request through you to the Hon’ble Railway Minister for more Trains from Puri-Bhubaneswar to New Delhi and Mumbai in the greater public interest.

Electrification:

Hon’ble Speaker Sir, in the present Railway Budget no provision has been made for Rail Line Electrification in Orissa whereas during 11th Five Year Plan proposal for Electrification of 3500 kms of Railway Line has been made. During last Railway Budget 2007-08, I had requested through you to Hon’ble Railway Minister for allotment of Rs. 100/- crore for the Electrification of the feeder links viz*. Daitari-Banspani B.G. Link, Talcher-Sambalpur-Jharsuguda B.G. Link and Haridaspur-Paradeep B.G. Link. However, sufficient funds have

 

* Laid on the Table.



not been allotted in the present Budget also. I would also request to the Hon’ble Railway Minister through you for allotment of sufficient funds for these projects and alongwith, Koraput-Rayagarh electrification project may be sanctioned in the Railway Budget-2008-09. Against the demand for electrification of Khargpur-Nimapura-Bhubaneswar and Bhubaneswar-Kottavelasha (RVNL) only Rupess^2 crore and^l crore has been sanctioned respectively in the Budget 2007-08 against the demand for Rupees 50 crore. Hence, the allotment may be increased to 50 crore in the Budget 2008-09.

Gauge Conversion

Hon’ble Speaker Sir, I would request through you to Hon’ble Railway Minister to increase the amount for expediting the gauge conversion from Rupsa to Bangiriposi which is very important as it was envisaged as an alternate to 3rd line between Kharagpur and Tatanagar and made into 2 phases, the first phase a gauge conversion of Rpusa-Bangiriposi and phase-2 connecting Bangiriposi with either Gorumahisani or Dollbhumgarh, which will subsequently connect to Tatanagar thereby reducing substantial distance. The allotment may be increased as the sanctioned amount of Rs.40/- crore is not sufficient for this project. Nuapara-Gunupur route gauge conversion may be expedited and extension to be made upto Therubali and also sanction is needed to provide connectivity to Gopalpur Port. Allotment of Rs.10.41 crore in the present Budget 2008-09 is not sufficient and I would request Hon’ble Railway Minister through you for increase this amount to Rs.75/- crore. Although broad gauge line of 2300 kms will be completed during 2007-08 and 3500 during 2008-09, no substantial allotment has been made for the state of Orissa.

On Going New Lines

Hon’ble Speaker Sir, Lanjigarh Road-Junagarh B.G. Rail Link:-Sir, this project was sanctioned in the year 1993-94. Rs.100 crores was demanded for commissioning the section between Lanjigarh Road-Bhawanipatana and commencement of land acquisition from Bhawanipatana to Junagarh. The Govt, of Orissa had demanded Rs.120/- crore for the project, however only Rs. 34/- crore has been allotted in the present Budge which may be increased to Rs.75/- crore.



Haridaspur-Paradip B.G. Link‘-Hon’ble Speaker Sir, only Rs.80/- crores has been allotted in the present Budget for Haridaspur-Paradip B.G. Link in the Budget, however the state Govt, had demanded Rs.175/- crore. I would request the Hon’ble Railway Minister through you that the allotment may be increased to Rs.175/- crore.

Khurda Road-Bolongir B.G. Link:-Hon’ble Speaker Sir, only Rs.32.43/- crore has been allotted in the present Budget whereas the state Govt, had demanded

Rs.150/- crore.   I would request the Hon’ble Railway Minister through you that the allotment may be increased to Rs.150/- crore.

Angul-Dubri-Sukinda Road B.G. Link: This Project was sanctioned in the year 1997-98. This rail link is critical for the steel industries since it will be a feeder link for transportation of coal to the industries in the Dubri area and iron ore to the industries in the districts of Cuttack, Dhenkanal and Jharsuguda. The allotment of Rs.60/- crore is meager and may be increased to Rs.150/- crore.

Talcher-BimlaqQrh (154 KmsVThis Project has been sanctioned in the year 2004-05. The state Govt, had demanded Rs.75/- crore whereas Rs.10/- has been allotted. I would request the Hon’ble Railway Minister through you that the allotment may be increased to Rs.75/- crore.

Doubling of Existing Railway Lines: Hon’ble Speaker Sir, I request the Hon’ble Railway Minister through you for provisioning adequate funds for doubling of various Railway links in the state of Orissa. Particularly, I request the Hon’ble Railway Minister through you to increase the allotment for Doubling of Khurda Road-Puri Railway Line from Rs.2/- crore to Rs.50/- crore including the sanction of second phase work for which survey work was sanctioned in the last Budget 2007-08 . This railway line is more then 100 years old and eight years of first phase work for doubling should be expedited in view of the importance of Puri as an international Tourism point.



Hon’ble Speaker Sir, I request through you to Hon’ble Railway Minister to include the following proposals for survey for new lines in the Budge of 2008-09 :-

Conversion & Extension of Nuapada-Gunupur B.G. Rail Link to Theruvali (79 Kms.)

a. Traffic survey was made in March, 1999 for extension of the converted Nuapada-Gunupur B.G. Rail Link to Theruvali with a favourable rate of return. This extension will immensely benefit flow of import and export of cargo via-Gopalpur Port.

 b.         Jeypore-Malkangiri (117 Kms.).

This broad-gauge rail link for which a survey report has been submitted to Ministry of Railways forms a part of the most backward districts of Orissa i.e. KBK area, which has been accorded special status by Government of India for speedy development. This requires immediate implementation.

c.         Talcher-Gopalpur (245 Kms)

The survey report of Talcher-Gopalpur Broad-gauge Rail Link line submitted to Ministry of Railways indicated a favourable rate of return. The recent thrust of industrialization with setting up a of Steel, Power and Aluminum Plants would require a dedicated Railway link between Talcher to Gopalpur (Special Economic Zone) for export and import of raw material and finished products.

d)         Bargarh-Nuapada-Vio-Padmapur (120 Kms):

Survey for this Broad-gauge Rail link was completed with a viable rate of return 18.32% and report submitted to the Ministry of Railways. Rail infrastructure in Western Orissa is not developed adequately despite a large number of industries are existing and heavy production of food grains are achieved. This B.G. Rail link will traverse through acutely backward areas of the State, and will ensure economic development.

e)      Puri-Konark (35 Kms.) : Puri attracts thousands of pilgrims due to temple of
Lord Jagannath. The famous Sun Temple is located at Konark. This monument
is famous throughout the world and thronged by visitors from domestic and
abroad. Considering these a survey was completed for construction of New
B.G. Rail Link between Puri-konark in the year 1997. This link will facilitate
visits by the tourists and pilgrims to the last link of the golden triangle.

For Bargarh-Nuapada-Via-Padmapur (120 Kms) and Puri-Konark (35 Kms.) though for detailed survey has been announced in principle , r\o steps have been taken in this regard so far for sanction and construction and now also no funds have been allocated in the Current Budget for these two projects. Hence necessary sanction may be accorded for these projects in the Budge of 2008-09

 (f)      Gopalpur-Rayaqada (282 Kms) :

all Bauxite deposits are located in Rayagada and Kalahandi area. Recently, Government of Orissa has signed number of Memorandums of understanding (MOU) for setting up of Aluminium industries for production of Alumina and Aluminium. Sanction for a survey is imperative to cater to the traffic that will be generated.

(g)      Jaleswar-Digha (40 Kms):

Digha is a popular beach resort, which will be connected from Tamluk. It is necessary that a survey be sanctioned from Jaleswar to Digha a stretch of 40 Kms. so that the vast areas in Bhogarai and Jaleswar Block can be connected. Although this project has been announced, no funds have been allocated so far.

(h)     Jajpur Keonjhar Road-Jajpur (30 Kms.):

Biraja Khetra at jajpur Town is a famous place of Piligrimage in India at Par with Dwaraka and Kasi. A large number of pilgrims visit this area regularly. The Ministry of Railways is requested to sanction a survey for extension of the East Coast Railway line from Jajpur-Keonjhar Road to Jajpur.

(i)      Sorumahisani To Buramara (35 Kms.)

Work is in progress for gauge conversion of Rupsa-Bangiriposi N.G. Rail Link. A survey may be sanctioned for linking Gorumahisani on Tata-Badamapahar B.6. Rail Link to Buramara on Rupsa-Bangiriposi Rail Link.

(j)      Badampahar To Keonjhar (70 Kms.)

A survey needs to be sanctioned between Badamapahar to keonjhar which shall link the rich iron ore area with Tatanagar.

(k)      Sambalpur-Berhampur via Birmaharajpur (408 Kms.)

Presently a direct rail link from Western to Southern Orissa is not available. Transportation of goods and passengers have to move in a circuitous way via Raipur-Vizainagaram or the East Coast Rail Link.

 (I)      Bolanqir-Nawapara (159 Kms.)

Bolangir and Nawapara are extremely backward district of Orissa, covered under the KBK districts, which has been accorded special status by Government of India. Availability of Railway infrastructure shall lead to economic growth.

(m)     Banspani-Bimlaqarh (80 Kms.)

Keonjhar and Sundargarh districts are iron ore hub of Orissa. With rapid industrialization a network of railway links shall cater to the transportation requirement of that area.

(n)      Berhampur to Phulbani (169.8 Kms.)

A preliminary Engineering-Cum Traffic Survey was conducted in 2003. Phulbani is one of the extremely backward districts of Orissa, though endowed with large deposits of Granite, Graphite, Quartz, Manganese and Bauxite. Sanction of requisite funds may be made for commencement and completion the project.

The following extension and introduction of New Trains may be introduced.

Hon’ble Speaker Sir, I would like to thank the Hon’ble Railway Minister through you for extension and introduction of New Trains, viz, Bhubaneswar-Mumbai vida Sambalpur (bi-weekly), Puri-Darabhangha Express (Weekly), Paradeep-Bhubaneswar Express (Daily in lieu of Parradeep-Cuttack Passenger), Kendujhargarh-Puri Express (Daily). However, the Paradeep -Bhubaneswar Express may be extended upto Puri considering it as a Pilgrimage Centre.

The following introduction and extension of trains requires attention :

Super-fast Express from Sambalpur to Allahabad:

There is no direct train from Sambalpur to Allahabad in order to meet the growing demand of traffic from Western Orissa. To enable the people of Western Orissa to Visit important places of pilgrimage like Allhabad, the extended train No.8611/8612 may be further extended upto Allhabad.

 

Inter City Express between Koraput and Rourkela Via-Rayagada.

The Raipur-Vizianagram-Koraput-Kirandul B.G. rail link passes through the most backward areas of the State like Koraput-Bolangir and Sundargarh. An Inter City Express linking Rourkela with these areas of this State will give the much needed impetus for business and commerce of the area.

Express Train from Titilagarh to Puri, Via-Sambalpur:

Presently there is no direct train from Titilagarh area to cater the needs of Western Orissa. Introduction of Express Train on this route will provide relief to the people and also ensure emotional, social integration with costal Orissa.

Express Train from Visakhapatnam to Howrah-Titilagarh, Raipur & Bilaspur:

The area from Visakhapatnam to Titlagarh is backward and requires additional train services to ensure increase of commerce and trading with neighboring States.

New Puri-Hyderabad Express and and New Puri-Chennai Express

There is no direct Train Link from pilgrim centre of Puri famous for Lord Jagannath to South India. Two direct trains from Puri-Hyaderabad and Puri-Chennai will fabulously benefit pilgrims of South India and people of Puri and Orissa.

Express Train between Baripada and Visakhapatnam Via Balasore,  Bhubaneswar and Berhampur.

Baripada the district Headquarters of Mayurbhanj is now connected on the Board gauge system of Indian Railways. It is necessary to provide a direct link with Southern Orissa as of the Passenger amenities.

Express Train from Gandhidham to Puri.

Orissa continues to provide human resources for industries in Gujurat. A large number of Oriyas are working in various part of Gujrat. An express train may be provided from Puri to Gandhidham via Vizainagram.



Express Train from Keonjhar to Howrah

Keonjhar district has been connected in the Daitari-Banspani BG Rail link. A large number of the tribal population shall use the direct link for trade and commerce.

Super-fast Express from Puri-Jaipur:

There is no direct train service from Puri Orissa) to pink city of Jaipur (Rajasthan). Introduction of a Train Services from Puri-Jaipur, Via-Sambalpur, and Raipur will enable tourists and pilgrims from Central and Western India to come to Orissa and this service will immensely benefit people of western Orissa.

Express Train from Barbil to Vishakapatnam via-Kenojhor & Bhubaneswar

The BG rail link between Banspani-Daitari is expected to be commissioned very soon. Keonjhar and Jajpur districts are undergoing rapid industrialization. Introduction of a train from Barbil to Vishakapatnam will facilitate movement of passengers and shall also be used for trade and commerce.

Express Train from Baripada to Howrah

Narrow gauge section between Rupsa to Baripada has been converted and commissioned. In order to strengthen the traditional link of the people of Mayurbhanj district with West Bengal and meet the aspirations of the people of that district, Ministry of Railways is requested for introduction of an express train from Baripada to Howrah.

Intercity Express Between Jharsuguda and Bhubaneswar

The industrial scenario is fast changing with the large number of steel plants located in Jharsuguda and Sambalpur districts. Inadequate train services is a serious impediment for people of that area. Ministry of Railways is requested for introduction of an Inter-city Express between Jharsuguda and Bhubaneswar.

Super fast Express between Rourkela to New Delhi.

The industrial and mining area of Sundargarh and Jharsuguda district are sparsely connected to New Delhi. Introduction of a direct train will be immensely popular facilitating travel of passengers from these districts.



Direct Train between Bhubaneswar-Chandiqarh-Kalka

A large number of people of Orissa are employed in defence services and allied sectors in Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab. A super fast express may be introduced from Bhubneswar to Chandigarh, which will also encourage tourism between Orissa and Himachal Pradesh.

Raiqarh-Gondia Intercity Express to Jharsuguda

Extension of this train shall provide a direct link from Vidarbha region to Western Orissa.

Bilaspur-Raiqarh passenger to Jharsuguda

Extension of this train will facilitate movement of passengers to a major part of Chattishgarh.

Extension of Janshatabdi Express between Howrah and Barbil to Keonjhar

Daitari-Banspani B6 rail link is expected to be commissioned very shortly. Keeping in view the aspirations of the people of Keonjhar and to facilitate connectivity for trade and commerce this train may be extended up to Keonjhar.

Amongst others, request was made for introduction of a Shatabdi Express from Puri to Paradeep. I would request Hon’ble Railway Minister through you to expedite and implement these passenger amenities.

Also the Garib Rath introduced between Bhubaneswar and Ranchi may be extended to Puri Jagannath Dham for the convenience of the tourists.

Introduction of EMU Services:

Hon’ble Speaker Sir, the electrification work between Kharagpur – Bhubaneswar is in progress and stretch of 200 kms between Palasa to Bhubaneswar has been commissioned. Ministry of Railways is requested to introduce fast Moving EMU Trains from Puri-Palasa and Puri-Balasore to cater to the need of passengers of Puri-Khurda Road-Bhubaneswar and Balasore. I would request to Hon’ble Railway Minister through you for introduction of these EMU Trains for the benefit of the passengers.



The Ministry of Railway has introduced an Express Train from Sambalpur to Raipur this may be extended to Puri as this will facilitate a direct link between the capitals of two States. I would also request you that existing Hirakund Express from Nizamuddin to Bhubaneswar which, has been extended up to Visakhapatnam considering its long distance, provision of pantry car may be made, introduction of Three tier AC and the frequency of the said Train should be increased from 3 days in a week to daily service. The Hirakund Express may be provided with more coaches in order to cater to the requirement of passengers from Palasa, Berhampur, Chhatrapur and Balugaon.

Visakhapatnam-Nizamuddin Express Train may be increased from three days to daily in a week to cater the need of passengers traveling from Western Orissa to the capital of India. The frequency of New Delhi-Bhubaneswar Rajdhani Express may be increased from 4 days to 7 days in week and these three days the Rajdhani Express may run Via-Samabalpur, Rourkela and Ranchi. The frequency of Puri-Ahmedabad Express Via-Sambalpur and Vizianagaram may be increased to facilitate journey of large number of workers from Orissa employed in Gujrat. It is requested that the frequency of this train Via-Sambalpur may be increased to thrice a week and via-Vizianagarm to four days in a week. The frequency of Bhubaneswar-Kurla Express may be increased to three days in week. This train is immensely popular by passengers traveling from Western Orissa. Frequency of Puri – Tirupati Express may be increased to daily service and the time span may be reduced from 28 hrs to 24 hrs in the interest of general public . Since large number of fishermen folk are visiting Puri and have business connections, the Puri-Tirupati Express may be having an additional stoppage at ‘Tuni’ Railway Station under South Central Railway. Coramondal Express may be stopped at "Guddur station" for the convenience of general public.

Establishment of passenger halt at Indrayumna, Puri.

Request was made to Railway Ministry that a passenger halt at Indradyumna near Puri under Khurda Road Division may be established. The Railways had conducted a survey and asked for certain information. Necessary information has been provided to the Railways since long and the proposal is a financially viable one, however, no progress has been made so far in this regard. The necessary of sanction for establishment of a passenger halt at Indradyumna may be accorded in the budget 2008-09.



Passenger amenities:

Hon’ble Speaker Sir, Ministry of Railways was requested for increase in passenger amenities for Orissa as with the creation of East Coast Railway and with establishment of its Headquarters in Bhubaneswar the expectation and aspiration of people of Orissa for better infrastructural developments of the stations has been increased. The Ministry of Railways was requested to improve passenger amenities at Puri, Titlagarh, Rayagarha, Raigarha, Koraput, Kessinga, Chattrapur, Balugaon, Jaleswar and Balangir Stations. The Ministry is also requested to further increase computerized network for reservation at Kuhudi, Kalupadaghat and Chhatrapur of Orissa. Though PRS-cum-UTS has been sanctioned for Sakhigopal, Khariar Road and Soro stations, this has not been made operational. This may kindly be expedited. Janakideipur Railway Station under Khurda Division may be developed as a full-fledged Railway Station to cater for a large chunk of people. The 214 down and 213 up Puri- Cuttack passenger train, the only train which is helping the service holders and daily commuter may be provided with additional coaches as the number of commuters have increased causing immense difficulty to the daily passengers.

Introduction of Pantry Car.

Some long distance trains originating from Bhubaneswar-Puri are not provided with Pantry Services. Ministry of Railways is requested that pantry car services for Bhubaneswar-Bangalore Express (8415/8416). Bhubaneswar-Kurla Express 1045/1046 and Puri-Tirupati Express (8439/8440) may be provided. Necessary provision for funds in this regard may be made in the in Budget 2008-09.

Coaching Terminals:

Hon’ble Speaker Sir, Orissa has only one coaching terminal at Bhubaneswar, which is land locked and inhibits expansion. This terminal should be expanded in order to accommodate more number of Trains. The Coaching Terminal at Puri has been closed. Hon’ble Speaker Sir, I would request to Hon’ble Railway Minister through you for setting up of coaching terminals with revival of one at Puri and in order to accommodate more number of trains. Proper coaching terminals may be developed at Berhampur, Sambalpur and Koraput also.



Hon’ble Speaker Sir, I would request the Hon’ble Railway Minister through you to kindly substantially increase from the present allotment in the Railway Budget 2008-09 for completion of ongoing railway projects in the State of Orissa which will fulfill the expectation and aspiration of the people of Orissa and culminate in economic growth and prosperity of the State.

 

 

(ends)

1735 hours

SHRI ARJUN SETHI (BHADRAK): Thank you, Sir.  I would confine my speech to a few specific problems as the time at my disposal is very limited.

I would like to bring to your notice as well as to the notice of the hon. Minister present here that last year in the Railway Budget two specific projects were sanctioned for the State of Orissa; Sambalpur-Titlagarh and Titlagarh-Raipur.  It was also envisaged that these will be taken up by the Rail Vikas Nigam. These projects come under East-Coast Railway.  As you know, Sir, the East-Coast Railway was approved by the Ministry of Railways after a long struggle by the State Government as well as by the people of Orissa.

 I would like to bring to your notice a specific action of RVNL by which they have tried to divert the execution of these two projects.  All the pre-requisite action, like the survey and the detailed project report, have been taken by the East-Coast Railway.  But now the RVNL has written a letter – the General Manager PI-1 has written a letter to the Additional General Manager RVNL, Bilaspur – that the execution of Sambalpur-Titlagarh doubling will be done by Kolkata and Raipur-Titlagarh work will be executed by Bilaspur division.  This is how the Railway administration, Railway Ministry as also the Railway Board have tried to cripple the work of East-Coast Railways.  These two particular lines come under the jurisdiction of East-Coast Railways, Bhubaneswar which has also undertaken the preliminary work like survey and DPR.  If I am permitted, I would like to quote his name.  General Manager PI-1 has written a letter to the Additional General Manager, RVNL, Bilaspur that these two projects will be executed by Kolkata, that is South-Eastern Railway and also by the South-East Central Railway, whose headquarter is at Bilaspur.  This is the case of utter negligence on the part of the Railway Ministry.  When these two projects come under the jurisdiction of East-Coast Railway how can they be executed by the South-Eastern Railway and the South-East Central Railway?  This is certainly an action on the part of the Railway Ministry to neglect the State of Orissa and to cripple the working of the East-Coast Railway at Bhubaneswar.  How can this particular gentleman write a letter saying that this particular work will be executed by Railways other than the East-Coast Railway?[R119] 

(z3/1740/rc/cp)[R120] 

          Another thing I would like to bring to your kind notice.  Last year, a sum of Rs.680 crore was sanctioned.  You will be surprised to know that a report has come in the newspaper of Delhi saying that only Rs.385 crore has been spent and the remaining Rs.283 crore will be diverted.  This is the case of utter negligence on the part of the Railways and discrimination against the State of Orissa.  Fortunately, the Railway Minister, hon. Shri Lalu Prasadji is here.  I would like to draw his attention to this point.  He should clarify this point.

          Another point I would like to bring to the notice of the hon. Minister.  The East Coast Railway Zone was sanctioned when the NDA was in power and Shri Nitish Kumar was the Railway Minister.

THE MINISTER OF RAILWAYS (SHRI LALU PRASAD): Please give me a copy of the sanction letter.

SHRI ARJUN SETHI (BHADRAK): Which sanction letter?

रेल मंत्री (श्री लालू प्रसाद)  :  जोन सैंक्शन का लेटर मुझे दिखाइए।  …(व्यवधान) आप हाउस में बोल रहे हैं कि जोन सैंक्शन हुआ था, तो आप उसका सैंक्शन लेटर दिखाइए। …(व्यवधान) आप मिसलीड मत करिए।

SHRI ARJUN SETHI (BHADRAK): The sanction letter must be with the Ministry of Railways.  How can I have that sanction letter?  Everybody knows including this hon. House that this particular zone was sanctioned during the NDA regime… (Interruptions).  He is at the helm of affairs.  He can find it.… (Interruptions)

SHRI LALU PRASAD:  You put up that letter and I will implement it.

SHRI ARJUN SETHI (BHADRAK): Sir, I am a Member of this House.   How can I go into his Ministry and find out the letter?… (Interruptions)

श्री लालू प्रसाद  : अगर हम नहीं देते, तो आरटीआई से ले लीजिए।

SHRI BRAJA KISHORE TRIPATHY (PURI): At that time, it was announced in the speech of the Railway Minister.  Now you have also delivered your speech and made some announcements.  So, should we not believe you?

श्री लालू प्रसाद :  आप हमें दीजिए।

श्री बृज किशोर त्रिपाठी (पुरी) : रेलवे मिनिस्टर की स्पीच में है।

SHRI ARJUN SETHI (BHADRAK):  Sir, I will be very thankful to the hon. Minister of Railways if he places a copy of the sanctioned letter on the Table of the House so that everybody could know when it was sanctioned.  What is the harm in it?… (Interruptions)

MR. CHAIRMAN (DR. LAXMINARAYAN PANDEYA): Please conclude now.

SHRI ARJUN SETHI (BHADRAK): Sir, the East Coast Railway was sanctioned after much persuasion, demand and also much labour both by the Members of Parliament and also people outside.  So, I would request the Railway Minister to see that this particular Railway gets activated fully.  Sir, I can place a copy of the letter written by the Rail Vikas Nigam.  If you allow me to place it on the Table, I would place it.

MR. CHAIRMAN:  You can give it to the hon. Minister.

SHRI ARJUN SETHI (BHADRAK):  All right.  I will hand it over to the hon. Railway Minister.

श्री लालू प्रसाद  :  सैंक्शन लेटर भेज दीजिए।  

SHRI ARJUN SETHI (BHADRAK): The letter was issued by the General Manager, Rail Vikas Nigam.

MR. CHAIRMAN:  Please conclude.

SHRI ARJUN SETHI (BHADRAK): Sir, please give me only one minute.[R121] 

(a4/1745/snb-nsh)[R122] 

          Sir, my parliamentary constituency is Bhadrak. The Bhadrak station was declared as one of the model stations not only in the State of Orissa but also in the entire Railway stem. Today if anyone would visit that station any time, he would be surprised to see that there is not even platform shelter in the station. There is no lighting arrangements and also all other amenities that are supposed to be there are absent.

          One ROB was sanctioned for Orissa and it was assured by the hon. Minister of State for Railways that it would be completed and operationalised by February, 2008. Today we are in the month of March. So, I would like to request the hon. Minister to look into these matters and see to it that this ROB is sanctioned at the earliest.

          Thank you. 

(ends)

 

 

*DR. PRASANNA KUMAR PATASANI (BHUBANESWAR) :  Every year we are participating in Railway budget. Honourable Minister Laluji presently placed a  good budget but we are debarred of getting good sanction for our state of Orissa. Our own Chief Minister deputed one Committee of Representatives headed by Hon’ble Speaker and we had a nice meeting with Laluji in his own chamber. As per our demand, Laluji paid us a patient hearing and committed to allot more money to our state. According to all India ratio the money which is allotted by Minister is not sufficient. I don’t know most of the time we see whatever money that you are allotting in this budget your officials not utilizing properly. Therefore, most of the time the money is lost and you are diverting to other states. I have been requesting to allot a good sum of amount to Khurdha, Bolangir, new Railway line. Whatever the money you have allocated is not sufficient. And why it is delay of utilizing the last year money to be enquired by your august office. Kurdha Bolangir railway new line is linking in between western Orissa to eastern Orissa and western Orissa is quiet adjacent to your Bihar. If this railway line would be completed soon the people of Bihar may come to see Puri Lord Jagannath, the biggest world heritage Konark and Lingraja Mandir. In the world heritage consequently within 60 kms radius there are three world heritage situated in Orissa that is Konark, Lingaraja and Puri Jagannath temple. This is the only railway line in India which goes through downtrodden area of adivasi, harijan and girijan that is the most poorest area of the country that they don’t see the train since independence. To promote our state Orissa from below poverty line this railway linkage can promote the economical, commercial revenues of the country. There is another small railway line from Puri to Konark must be surveyed immediately to promote eco tourism. I demand repeatedly that there should be metro railway connecting Kurdha, Cuttack and Bhubaneswar immediately.

 

 

* Laid on the Table.



Sir, I am representing Bhubaneswar the cultural capital of India, that is the capital of our state to the Parliament. As a peoples’ representative, I have been demanding to make Bhubaneswar as a No.1 city in the country. Now in the IT sector and other scientific achievements which is done by the present government should not be ignored. To promote the city we need some more flyovers to be done immediately. In the 13th Lok Sabha you had only sanctioned i.e. Punama Gate according to my request. That is not yet completed. Rest of the gates those are located under east zone Mancheswar, Vir Surendra Sai Nagar, Satya Nagar, Sayed Nagar and another Bhubanesar station leading towards commercial market. Minister should pay personal attention to start this railway overbridge on priority basis to protect the lives of poor people. In every month they are getting accidents and deaths. To avoid this human tragedy a good sum of amount may please be allotted in this Supplementary budget. I have been requesting to you since long to construct one over bridge under Jatoni constituency ie. Near to Kurdha Rly. Junction. To save the lives of poor people those are leading a very miserable lives. That the railway bridge previously constructed in the British period may be collapsed at any time. To save the lives and property of local people I draw immediate attention to implement the project diverting the funds i.e unutilized in other states.

In the last government east coast zone is originated and not so progressed and the construction of building works is highly delayed. The headquarter office should be completed and I request the inaugural ceremony must be done by you before the elections and to this zone other ancillary materials and the improvement of works must be executed properly so that this should be best zone in the country.



And lastly in my submission my state Orissa is highly neglected relating to railway sector in the country. Suppose this year you have allotted about 30 crores to Kurdha-Bolangir the project needs more than 1000 crores and if this way the money would be sanctioned this will take another 50 years to complete the project. So I request please allot 300 crores altogether to start the work ahead. Other new line projects submitted by our most popular state government should be paid special attention by you.

 (ends)

*SHRI ANANTA NAYAK (KEONJHAR) : I rise to take part in the discussion on Railway Budget. Sir, Railway is the life line of the nation; it is the largest public sector undertaking. Now this PSU is earning profit and paying dividend every year. I thanks the Railway Minister to improve the financial condition of Railway. But we should not forget the employees at the grassroots, the worker the gangamen, the railway Staffs and last but not least the Railway Board also deserve thanks for paying dividend.

Railway is the largest transport system in the country. But the system needs connection with each and every State irrespective of the fact whether any areas are hilly, dense forest and inaccessible due to same reason. Even after 61 years of Independence people in some States have not yet seen Rail. So, Rail connectivity must be provided to such areas.

Development of infrastructure depends mainly on the rail connectivity. There are 12 major ports in the country. All the ports must be provided with rail connectivity. While presently the Rail Budget the Hon’ble Minister has referred to new train between Jaipur and Paradeep of course train services is available between Cuttack and Paradeep which is being extended to Bhubaneswar. I urge upon the Minster to connect Paradip Port with the hinterland, the Minister has announced new lines from Keonjhargarh to Badapaahad and Barbil to Barsuan. A loop line may be constructed between Keonjhargarh and Ganhdamardan sector. This will facilitate the transport of iron ore and other minerals to Paradeep Port for export purpose. The cost of opertion will also not much. Each line will give profit to Railway Department.

The Hon’ble Minister of Railways in kind enough to introduce Garib Rath to different States. But he is unkind to my State like Orissa. I request him to introduce  a Garib Rath  between  New Delhi and  Bhubneswar  connecting  my

 

 

* Laid on the Table.

Parliamentary constituency Keonjhar. I take this opportunity to thank him for introducing of new train between Keonjhargarh and Puri. That means the Hon’ble Minister has recognized the importance to mineral rich Keonjhar parliamentary Constituency. He has also increased the frequency of 2421/2422 Bhubaneswar via Tata Nagar. So we are having Radhani for 5 days in a week. I demand that a pair of Radhani Express may be introduced between New Delhi and Bhubaneswatr via Tatanagar and keonjhargarh. The people of the backward area which is very rich in minerals and developed industrially will be greatly benefited if this train is introduced we have got a large number of workers from the home State of Hon’ble Minister and also from West Bengal. So adequate train connection may be provided between Keonjhargarh, Patna and Kolkota. A large number of devotees visit Deogarh from my area. We will be grateful if the Hon’ble Minister considers a daily train from Keonjhargarh to Deoghar. The pilgrims will get direct connection to Babadham. This will promote tourism also.

Sir, coming to freight earning the undivided south Eastern Railways was earn highest amount of revenue from freight among all the Railway Division. After bifurcation the East Coast Railway has the highest revenue earner from freight on that basis I was demanding better treatment to Orissa from day one of my election as member of parliament. I belong to a Constituency which contributes maximum revenue to Railway by freight traffic. This freight earning will further increase one the line from Daitari and Banspani announced by the Minister. I appeal to Shri Lalu Prasadji to provide adequate fund for construction of additional line. This will facilitate the transport of Iron ore to Paradeep. India will get huge amount of foreign Exchange from the export of Mineral. In addition to Railway the National exchequer will be benefitted thereby.

Sir, there is an urgent need to modernize the Indian Railway. I am glad that the Hon’ble Railway Minister has taken steps in that direction .1 appeal the Railway Minister to give priority to modernize the signaling system and safety along with development of the security of the passengers. Passengers one boarded the train must reach their destination safely. The security must be provided in the long distance trains.

Sir, the Hon’ble Minister has sanctioned the doubling of some lines. As far as Orissa is concerned only a few kilometres from Jakhapura to Haridaspur, Paradeep to Bansapani, Barbil to Badampahad and Champajhar to bimlagarh have been mentioned in his speech. However i welcome the proposal for doubling Jhakapura-bansapani line.

Sir, the Minister has introduced a bi-weekly Express train between Bhubaneswar and Mumbai via Sambalpur. This train should be made a daily train. I take this opportunity to request the Minister to increase the frequency of Hirakhanda Express from tri-weekly to a daily train.

 

 



 



         Sir, the Rail Vikash Nigam Ltd., is doing very well. It should pay special attention to complete the ongoing projects in Orissa. The target date has been fixed to complete the gaudge conversion of Naupada-Gunupur. It is an old project lunched during British regime. It should be completed within the target date.

Sir, So far as the new projects are concerned a small Port in between Banspani and Jurdi has been selected. This should at least be completed upto Keonjhargarh in 2008-09.At the same time all possible efforts should be made to complete the proposed line between Banspani and Barbil. Besides proposal to construct some new projects like Bargarh to Padampur, Talcher to Gopalpur and Rupsa-Bangiriposhi-Gorumaihini and Badapahad to Keonjhargarh are pending with the Govt. I request the Railway Minister to extend financial support to these projects.

Sir,

So far as survey is concerned Banspani to Bimlagarh should be given priority.

Sir, I shall be failing in my duty if I donot drawn the attention of the Hon’ble Minister to remind him the urgent need to introduce the Express train from Keonjhargarh to Howrah and Barbil to Vishakapatnam via keonjhargarh and Bhubaneswar. I hope that the introduction of these new trains would be considered during the current financial year.



Sir, now the Kanasatabdi Express train is running from Howrah and Barbil. This should be extended to Keonjhargarh for which i have been demanding time and again.

Lastly, I would like to draw the attention of the Hon’ble Minister to the poor passenger amenities in the Railway Stations in Orissa. Except a few most of the stations do not have such facilities. Greater emphasis should be laid to provide passenger amenity in all these stations. Also demand that platform for Barbil station should be raised during this year. I thank the Railway Minister for considering the genuine demands of Keonjhar.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak.

 

                                                                                                (ends)

2122 hours

SHRIMATI JHANSI LAKSHMI BOTCHA (BOBBILI): Hon. Chairman, Sir, I rise to support the historic Railway Budget for 2008-2009 presented by the hon. Railway Minister Shri Lalu Prasad Yadav.  

The Garib Rath train between Secunderabad-Visakhapatnam may be extended up to Rayagada Station to cover Bobbili parliamentary constituency, Parvathipuram parliamentary constituency in Andhra Pradesh and Koraput parliamentary constituency in Orissa. People of these constituencies would remain eternally grateful for this.

 

2339 hours

SHRI KHARABELA SWAIN (BALASORE): Mr. Chairman, Sir, I will confine my speech to only one point and that is about railway security. We have got the Railway Protection Force and we have got the Government Railway Police. Since law and order is a State subject, all the crimes committed inside the railway coaches or on the railway stations are dealt with by the GRP, and the RPF’s only job is to protect the railway property. As you know, all the unwanted police personnel of the State are sent to the GRP.[R224] 

(z6/2340/rs/jr)

[r225] Sometimes it is very strangely found that GRP files cases against the RPF personnel.  Now, the RPF organisation is being headed by an IPS officer who comes on deputation.  The DG, RPF, most of the time, does not have much of expertise on the functioning of the RPF.  He somehow enjoys a good time while in the Railways.

          My request to the hon. Railway Minister is that he should build up the RPF officers’ cadre.  The RPF officers are recruited through the Central services and they should not be held up at the DIG’s level for seven to eight years.  If they are given promotion early, there shall be continuity in the RPF cadre and the RPF cadre will be sustained and these officers, with their vast experience, can lead the RPF.

          I will also further request the hon. Prime Minister, through the hon. Railway Minister, that the Constitution should be amended to confer more law and order powers to the RPF personnel because the RPF personnel has got some accountability whereas the GRP has got none.  So, this is my point of preference to the hon. Railway Minister.

          I have got some small demands, which I shall, with your permission, lay on the Table of the House.

 

*Through you, I shall request the Hon’ble Railway Minister to implement the following railway projects in my constituency Balasore in Orissa.

(1)       Rail under bridge may be constructed at Tamulia Fatak level crossing
in between Balasore and Nilagiri Road Station of Kharagpur Division in S.E
Railways.

(2)              Road Under bridge also may be constructed at the Uttareswar level crossing near the western cabin of the Soro railway station in the KGP Division of S.E Railways.

(3)              A daily Fast passenger train may run in between Baripada-Howrah in the KGP Division of S.E. Rly.

(4)              The 203/204 Kharagpur-Bhubaneswar Fast Passenger should run via Cuttack instead of Naraj. This will reduce the running time of the train and it will connect a very important Station like Cuttack which is having the only Medical College of Eastern Orissa.

(5)              The goods shed of Balasore railway station in the KGP Division of SE Rly. should be provided with shed cover. The same platform also be concretised so that the goods are not thrown as the mud and dust.

(6)              The Puri -Okha Express train should run once a week via Balasore,
Kharagpur and Nagpur.

(ends)