Ashwini Vaishnaw, Dharmendra Discuss Rail Projects With BJP MPs From Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Ahead of his scheduled Odisha visit, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw discussed the progress of rail projects with BJP MPs from the state at the Rail Bhawan in New Delhi on Thursday.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who was present at the meeting, tweeted that passenger facilities and other related issues were also discussed.

He further said that the Narendra Modi government has all along been cooperative towards railway infrastructure development in Odisha.

With a focus on early completion of ongoing projects, as well as safety-related modernisation works, the Centre had allocated Rs 6,995.58 crore for Odisha in the 2021-22 Railway Budget, which was about 60 per cent more than the previous 2020-21 fiscal’s outlay of Rs 4,373 crore.

“We discussed each project in detail. We will work collectively to expedite the projects in the state. The main aim is to ensure overall development of the railway sector in Odisha,” said Vaishnaw.

The Railway Minister further said that he will review the projects during his visit to the state next week.

Notably, six districts in Odisha are yet to get connected with railway networks.

BJP MP Basanta Panda, who led the delegation, said all proposed and pending railway projects were discussed. “We requested him to take those forward,” he said. 

Also Read: Ashwini Vaishnaw To Take ‘Train Ride’ To Rayagada; Know His Itinerary During Odisha Visit

Vaishnaw is expected to arrive in  Bhubaneswar on August 16. After a visit to Puri, he is likely to board Hirakand Express for a rail ride of 9.5-hour o Rayagada, covering 500 km.

The following day, he will meet BJP workers in Rayagada and hold roadshows in Jeypore, Koraput and Nabarangpur.

On August 18, he will visit Bhawanipatna, Bargarh and Balangir.

This will be his first visit to the state after being inducted into the Union Ministry.