Railway Budget Eludes Five New Projects In Odisha: BJD

Bhubaneswar: The BJD on Thursday expressed displeasure over the Railway budget allocation for Odisha.

In a statement, party spokesperson and Rajya Sabha member Sasmit Patra said that reduction in overall allocation for the state is a cause of serious concern as Odisha remains one of the least rail coverage states in the country despite it contributing maximum revenue.

“No new railway project has been introduced in sectors that were suggested by the state with a commitment to share the cost. We expected to get sanction for projects like Puri-Konark, Bargarh-Nuapada, Jajpur-Aradi-Dhamra, Chakulia-Buramara and Gunupur-Therubali (new line) for which the state government has committed to providing all possible assistance,” Patra pointed out.

Welcoming the Gopalpur-Sambalpur proposed line he said this will be a big economic booster to the area if executed in time.

On the introduction of more Tejas type superfast express trains, Patra hoped that more such trains would be introduced in Odisha.

He urged the Railways to improve their expenditure and track record in completion of the delayed projects.