Kandhamal MP Dr Achyuta Samanta in his maiden speech raised the issue of rail connectivity to the district.
Rail connectivity will boost development, economic prosperity and tourism in the district, he said while speaking during the Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha on June 27.
Dr Samanta said 39 years back the then Prime Minister had given an assurance for rail connectivity to Kandhamal. However, since then, no progress has taken place on the project, even though survey and other procedures were done.
The people of Kandhamal have a longstanding dream to see the railway line to Kandhamal, he said and urged the Union Railway Minister to take initiative for rail connectivity to the tribal district.
He also urged the Ministry of Railways for connecting Phulbani to Purunakatak by rail annex and thereby linking it to Khurda-Balangir line.