Dhenkanal: The date May, 1934 holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Dhenkanal. It was on that day, the Meramandali railway station under Odapada block in Dhenkanal district, witnessed Mahatma Gandhi’s fifth visit to erstwhile Orissa in May, 1934.
On his 152nd birth anniversary, local residents fondly remember Gandhiji’s visit. The station that was set up in 1923 to facilitate road communication has already completed 98 years.
It was an auspicious day when Gandhiji reached the railway station from Sambalpur via Angul by a car on his way to Cuttack. Hundreds of locals thronged Hindol Road, Sadashivpur and Dhenkanal stations, as the passenger train with Gandhiji on board passed through.
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Local residents had a glimpse of Mahatma Gandhi in 1934. Since then, Meramandali railway station became a silent spectator of India’s freedom movement. However, it has been facing neglect, thanks to the negligent nature of the Railway department.
Though locals have been demanding the facelift of the station, their pleas have been unheard.
It is pertinent to mention, Meramandali railway station comes under Dhenkanal-Angul industrial corridor. Many industrial houses have set up their units in Dhenkanal due to communication advantage.
Meramandali is considered to be the centre of business activities in the district. After the construction of new railway line from Cuttack to Sambalpur via Angul, a number of trains ply through the route. Very few trains halt at Meramandali railway station, they grieved.
Adequate lighting, development of the platforms, an access road from NH-55 to the railway station and a flyover bridge are barely needed, the locals opined. They also demanded that a life-size statue of Mahatma Gandhi be erected on the railway station premises.
PNN
