Ashwini Vaishnaw Turns The Table On Odisha Govt Over Rail Connection To Padampur

Bhubaneswar: A day after BJD pulled up the BJP-led Centre for allegedly neglecting bypoll-bound Padampur in railway connectivity, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday clarified that Odisha Rail Infrastructure Development Limited (ORIDL) has been entrusted with the responsibility of Bargarh-Nuapada line.

“You are aware that ORIDL, a joint venture company of the Odisha government with 51 per cent stake and the Ministry of Railways with 49 per cent, is under the state government,” he wrote.

He further informed that the Centre had accorded in-principle approval to the project and the JV cell of Odisha was informed about the same on December 31, 2021. “To take the project forward, the ORIDL has to conduct a survey, prepare a blueprint and acquire land for the purpose. Therefore, I would request the state government to expedite the survey and land acquisition process,” Vaishaw said.

The Union Minister further said that the Narendra Modi government has sanctioned Rs 9734 crore for development of rail connectivity and infrastructure in Odisha. As many as 38 railway stations in the state have been revamped. “In this scenario, I would request you to kindly extend necessary support to the Union government for the overall benefit of Odisha.,” he added.

On Sunday, commerce and transport minister Tukuni Sahu wrote to Vaishnaw to reconsider a new rail line from Bargarh to Nuapada via Padampur announced in 2018. The project, she said, was shelved by the Centre in 2019 for not being financially viable.

Also Read: Odisha Minister Rakes Up ‘Shelved’ Bargarh-Nuapada Rly Line Via Padampur Ahead Of Bypoll