Asserting that the Railways is not neglecting Odisha, Minister of State for Railways Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Sunday sought the State’s cooperation in infrastructure development.
“There is no truth in the allegation that Odisha is being neglected by Railways. We need the State Government’s cooperation for development of rail network,” he said at a function organised during the flagging off of the new biweekly Puri-Ajmer Express from here.
Referring to ongoing projects in the State, Chowdhury said the doubling work of the railway line between Delang and Puri would be completed before Nabakalebara festival of lord Jagannath in 2015.
Besides, the railway stations close to the pilgrim town of Puri would be developed and beautified by improving various facilities for passengers. Quick removal of encroachments from railway land would facilitate speedy development of rail infrastructure for which the State Government’s cooperation is essential, Chowdhury said, adding that there should be joint efforts by the Centre and the State Government in this regard.
The Minister said the Railways is passing through a financial crisis, but rail infrastructure need to be developed as per the needs of passengers. Earlier, speaking at the function, the State’s Tourism and Culture Minister Maheswar Mohanty and local BJD MP Pinaki Mishra had accused the Railways of neglecting Odisha despite earning good revenue from the State.