Odisha Government To Sanction Rs 5.5 Crore To Indian Railways

Bhubaneswar:  The Odisha government will sanction Rs 5.5 crore to the Indian Railways following the decision that the latter would bear the transport expenditure of the Odias stranded in different parts of the country due to the lockdown, Commerce and Transport Minister Padmanabha Behera informed on Saturday.

Speaking to mediapersons, the Minister said Rs 5.5 crore from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) will be given to Indian Railways to bring back migrants stranded in different states via Shramik Special trains. “Migrants now can travel back to the state free of cost.”

Behera further added that as the Centre has asked the states to take a decision on resumption of bus services keeping in view the prevailing situation, a discussion will soon be held with private bus owners’ association. OSRTC has only 400-500 buses, hence private buses should start plying for the convenience of the people.

Notably, private bus owners had earlier rejected the Transport Department’s proposal for resumption of services with 50 per cent occupancy and double fare.

“After an aerial survey of the cyclone affected districts in the state, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sanctioned a Rs 500 crore interim relief package yesterday. The Centre may sanction additional financial assistance after submission of the damage assessment report,” the Minister further added.