Keonjhar: An inordinate delay in the construction of Daitari-Bansapani railway line has caused discontentment among people of Keonjhar.
The railway project is expected to boost the economy of the mineral rich Keonjhar district. But its ongoing expansion is nowhere near completion. Though funds are not a constraint, problem in land acquisition has come up as a major hurdle, a report said.
As the double track work is not ending, running of passenger trains on the route is being affected while introduction of new trains on this line is not becoming possible, it was said.
According to the report, the work for the 155-km long railway line expansion being carried on in a haphazard manner.
The authorities concerned have been carrying out land acquisition in 18 villages of Rasola, Tangiriapal and Shalijanga panchayats in Keonjhar and Jajpur district.
Land owners say they will spare their land only after they are paid compensation for the land.
The railways has provided Rs 4 crore towards compensation. The fund is pending with the district administration while the land owners have decried the delay in disbursement of the compensation money.
“As the project gets delayed, the value of the land is rising every year. This will create problem for the project in coming days,” said Krushnachandra Mohanty, a senior citizen of Keonjhar.
On the other hand, the special land acquisition wing of the district had earlier sought permission from the state government about the rates at which compensation for the land will be paid to the people. But the state government has not yet made its decision clear in this regard.
Locals alleged that as compensation is not being paid, there is delay in land acquisition, resulting in procrastination of the project.
When asked about it, special land acquisition officer Kiran Nayak said that after a report about compensation is available from the revenue department, land losers will be immediately paid their money. Once land is acquired, it will be handed over to the railway ministry and the project will start, he added.
It may be noted here that the proposal to lay this railway line was mooted after Independence. The first phase of this line from Jakhapura to Daitari was completed and opened for traffic in 1979. Twenty-four years have passed since then but the line has not been completed so far.
Locals say, the Daitari-Bansapani line will boost the economy of the district once it is completed and opened for traffic.
It will facilitate communication in various parts of Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Deogarh, Jajpur and Dhenkanal.
Paradeep port is a prime major port in the country. It will be connected by this line. It will facilitate transportation of minerals from Keonjhar district for export through Paradeep.
PNN
