Strong resentment is brewing among the rail users of north Baleswar, mainly of Basta, as stoppages of two trains cancelled during the Covid are yet to be restored.
The Utkal Express and the East Coast Express used to stop at Basta station till the outbreak of Covid when train services were restricted. However, long after the train services were normalised post Covid, the halts of these two trains at Basta are yet to be ensured. Regarding the issue, the rail commuters have drawn the attention of the SE Railway authorities as well as the Baleswar MP repeatedly but to no avail.
“Basta is an important station for Basta, Baliapal, Amarda and Bhograi for trade and commercial activities through the station. The discontinuation has adversely affected economic activities,” said Rail Users’ Association, Basta president Satyanarayan Karnani.
Similarly, while the stoppage of Jagannath Express at Amarda Road was discontinued, the stoppage at Rupsa station of Jagannath Express down train too has been discontinued. Discontinuation of stoppage of trains is pinching the commuters and would adversely impact the elections perspective of Central representatives, remarked a commuter.
Notably, the renovated rail lines between Nilgiri and Baleswar for running passenger trains are ready and likely to be inaugurated by the Railway Minister in a couple of weeks.
