The ‘Civil Society Balasore’ comprising people from different walks of life expressed concern on various issues on Saturday.

The members, besides lamenting that the rail over bridge was in poor state due to want of maintenance, also demanded its repair and security. “The over-bridge near FM Circle is the first rail over bridge of the State. Owing to lack of regular care and maintenance, it has become unsafe at certain portions. It is a lifeline of the district and the issue should be immediately addressed,” said association secretary

Manoj Nayak, adding there are certain other issues  which also need to be addressed with the joint efforts  of the district administration, railway and elected representatives.

“The depots of the IOCl and other oil companies which were here near the Baleswar railway station have been shifted to Somanthpur. But a 6-acre patch of land is lying unutilized while on the other hand, there are encroachments of the land. The same patch can be utilized to fulfill the requirement of a model station,” said Nayak.

The other issues discussed include an underpass between Fandi square and Ananda bazaar, and two foot over bridges, besides extension of Palasa Bhadrak passenger train up to Baleswar and a direct train to Mumbai from Baleswar.

Further, the body demanded maintenance and expansion of a foot way adjacent to rail line near Kasmila village.

“Recently, a 5- year- old girl died after she fell off in the river Budhabalanga  while walking on the foot way. Her body was found after four days in the river water. The foot lane should be repaired and expanded,” said Antaryami Pradhan, president of the body.

“The rail over bridge near Tamulia has already missed the deadline due to snail’s pace of work. It should be completed at the earliest,” he said. The association also threatened to resort to agitation if the demands were not fulfilled.