Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to allocate Rs 5,000 crore in Railway Budget for the year 2016-17.
In a letter to the Prime Minister, Patnaik said the railway route length and rail density in Odisha is very much below national average and even substantially lower than that in neighbouring States.
“In contrast, gross earnings from various stations in the State of Odisha are estimated to be in excess of Rs 14,000 crore during the year 2014-2015. I would request you to kindly ensure allocation of a sizeable part of the revenues generated from Odisha within the State itself for strengthening and expanding rail infrastructure,” the letter said.
Patnaik i said since Odisha continues to be one of the most preferred destinations for investment especially in metal, mining and power sectors, the nature of industrial activities in the State requires a robust and well planned railway infrastructure for its sustainability.
Informing that a large part of Odisha, especially the backward regions, have remained untouched by the Railways, he said lack of infrastructure has been one of the major reasons which have impeded the socio-economic growth of this region.
He said the State Government has been extending all support to Ministry of Railway for implementation of rail projects in the state.
“My Government has committed to allocate land (including private land) in the Daspalla-Bolangir stretch (112-289 KM) free of cost and share 50 per cent of construction cost for this segment. Similarly, Odisha Government has consented to bear 25 per cent of construction cost for Jeypore- Malkangiri Project and to provide all land free of cost and bear 50 per cent of construction cost for Jeypore - Nabrangpur Project. Hence, the Railway Ministry may be urged to take up these projects on top priority,” Patnaik stated in the letter.
He too urged the Prime Minister to advise the Railways to expedite execution of a world class station at Bhubaneswar.