A survey work for running of a passenger train connecting Baleswar and Nilgiri as well the north Odisha rail corridor connecting Digha, Chandanesar, Baliapal, Basta, Rupsa, Baripada, Bangiriposhi, Badampahad and Tata Nagar would begin soon.
This was assured by SE Railway General Manager SN Agarwal to a delegation of elected representatives headed by Baleswar MP Rabindra Kumar Jena on Thursday.
The meeting with top brass of the SE Railway regarding various infrastructure developments, improvements, stoppage of important trains at various stations was held at Garden Reach, Kolkata. Besides Jena, Jaleswar MlA Aswini Patra, Soro MlA Parsuram Dhada, Nilgiri MlA Sukant Nayak and Badsahi MlA Ganeswar Patra were present.
MP Jena said, “The north Odisha rail corridor from Digha to Tata Nagar via Chandaneswar, Baliapal, Basta, Rupsa, Baripada, Bangriposhi and Badampahad is a viable project in terms of reduction of travel time to north India and boosting economic activities as well to the tourism sector. The project is approved by the Railway Board, but it is moving at a snail’s pace.
Besides, the authorities assured to initiate a survey work for running a passenger train from Baleswar to tribal block Nilgiri when it was pressed that a train could be run after upgrading the existing lines.”
At the meeting, a demand for a underpass near Paschimbad at Jaleswar was put forth, and the SER authorities said it would be undertaken following a feasibility report.
Similarly, the SER authorities conceded to other demands after feasibility and consultation with the ECoR. These demands included extension of the Palasa-Bhadrak passenger train up to Baleswar, running of the Khargpur-Khurda fast passenger via Cuttack instead of Naraj, etc.
The authorities agreed to provide an air-conditioned coach for the Bangriposhi-Bhubaneswar Express train and an additional coach in the Dhauli Express for Baleswar passengers.