Bhubaneswar: Hailing Railways as the “Life Line of the Nation”, East Coast Railway (ECoR) on Monday said it seeks to achieve a target 500 MT freight loading by 2027 and many infrastructure projects are being implemented to meet the goal.
Speaking on the occasion of the 76th Independence Day at Railway Stadium in Bhubaneswar, ECoR General Manager Sharad Kumar Srivastava said Indian Railways has set a mission to achieve 3000 MT freight loading by 2027 in which ECoR has been assigned a major role with a target of about 500 MT.
To achieve this, he said many infrastructure projects have been sanctioned which will enhance the rail network and mobility by enabling port connectivity to hinterlands and industrial hubs.
In order to further the execution speed of important infrastructure projects, empowered ‘Gati Shakti’ units have been established in all divisions, the ECoR General Manager said.
As new line and doubling projects have gained momentum, Mahipur-Nuagaon (13.05 kms) new line has been completed recently and 128 km of doubling lines have been commissioned during 2022-23 so far.
With a vision to further expand the rail network, 25 surveys have been sanctioned. In 2022-23, highest ever budget grant (CAPEX) of Rs 9343 crore is sanctioned to ECoR, he said.
In the path of national development during the last 75 years since Independence, the Railways has immensely contributed in every aspect and in a true sense, it is the “Life line of the Nation”, he said.
Srivastava, who hoisted the National Flag and exchanged salute at a parade, highlighted the performance of ECoR and collective efforts by the Railway employees along with passenger amenities, safety and security, expansion of railway network, digital initiatives and human resources. He congratulated the employees for their dedication and efforts for spectacular performance in last financial year.
Patriotic songs and cultural programmes were presented by the employees to mark the occasion.
