The State Government on Thursday urged the Centre to ensure allocation of a sizable revenue generated from Odisha in the next Rail Budget for expansion of railway infrastructure.
In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said contrary to the gross revenue earnings of the Railways from Odisha of over Rs 14,000 crore, the railway route length and rail density in the State is much below the national average.
“The Centre has initiated several ambitious projects like dedicated freight corridor aligned with mega industrial hubs, national road expressways and high speed train projects, while it has completely bypassed Odisha although some of the country’s largest investment in steel, aluminium and power sectors are coming up in the State,” Patnaik pointed out.
Apprising the Prime Minister of the steps taken by the State Government for setting up of green field ports, he said a synchronized development plan between these ports and related rail connectivity was necessary for maximizing economic gains.
Stating that a large part of Odisha, especially the backward region, has remained untouched by the Railways, Patnaik said delivering rail services in the Maoist-affected regions was one of the best means to channelise development and provide counter-active force.
Urging the Prime Minister to complete the Khurdha-Balangir railway line, he said Odisha has committed to provide land in Daspalla-Balangir stretch (112-289 km) free of cost and share 50 per cent of construction cost for the segment.
The State Government has also agreed to bear 25 per cent of construction cost for Jeypore-Malkangiri project and provide all land free of cost and bear 50 per cent of construction cost for Jeypore-Nabarangpur project.
Requesting the Prime Minister to take up the issue with the Railways to take up these projects on priority basis, Patnaik said the State Government submitted a host of proposals for new lines, gauge conservation, passenger amenities and introduction of new trains.