Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s senior BJP leader and former Rourkela MLA Dilip Ray took up several projects with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
In a post in his X handle on Saturday, Ray said he discussed several key issues in his region with the Railway Minister and received positive responses at a meeting in New Delhi.
“The Railway Minister has assured that the 65-bed Bondamunda sub-divisional hospital will be upgraded and its R&D facilities improved. This hospital, which was at risk of being downgraded to a health unit due to shortage of doctors, currently renders medical services to 42,165 Railway beneficiaries and approximately 12,600 retired Railway beneficiaries. The upgradation will significantly improve our healthcare infrastructure and service quality,” Ray said.
Thanking Vaishnaw for including Rourkela and Panposh stations in the Amrit Bharat Station scheme, the BJP leader said he requested the former to expedite development of these stations.
On Talcher-Bimlagarh railway line project, the Railway Minister said he has convened the Talcher-Bimlagarh rail line committee for a discussion and assured that the project will be expedited. This project is expected to enhance connectivity, reduce travel time, and facilitate the movement of goods and passengers between industrial regions.
Ray also took up upgradation and development of the sub-divisional post office at Bondamunda, which is currently in a deplorable condition, causing concern for both staff and residents. Immediate intervention is needed to improve its condition and functionality, he said.
“We discussed establishment of a detachment-free rake examination facility at the exchange yard in Bondamunda to improve railway operations. The project has faced delays due to land disputes, and immediate resolution of these issues will enable the continuation and completion of this vital project,” the former MLA said.
Besides, establishment of a Vande Bharat Rail coach manufacturing unit and railway R&D facilities also figured in the discussion and the minister assured that he would look into the matter.
It may be noted that Ray had returned to electoral politics after a 5-year hiatus in recently concluded Assembly election. But he lost to BJD candidate Sarada Prasad Nayak, who was the labour minister in the previous government, by 3,552 votes. Ray had won from Rourkela in 1985 and 1990 Assembly elections.
Later, Ray moved Orissa High Court, seeking declaration of the election of Nayak as void.