Joda: General manager of south eastern railway (Kolkota garden rich zone) SN Agrawal Friday said a probe will be instituted to look into the allegations of irregularities during loading of minerals at Jurudi railway siding under Joda mining circle in Keonjhar district.
Such malpractices will not be tolerated come what may, he said while talking to reporters here after making a visit to the area Friday. Agrawal was accompanied by Chakradharpur divisional manager Rajendra Prasad and several other senior officials.
As part of his annual inspection visit, Agrawal went over various aspects like maintenance, public ability, staff ability and execution of various rail infrastructure development. He also visited rail sidings at Deojhar, Murgaroad, Joda, Bansapani and Jurudi. People from various areas presented their problems and the difficulties they face.
Locals from Joda and Jurudi — Sunil Bastia, Manas Mohanty, Pruthiraj Patra, Pranab Mohanty, Ananda Hurad and others demanded that the running of Bhubaneswar-Keonjhar passenger train be extended to Bansapnai. They underscored the need for a train from Bhubaneswar via Jurudi and Bansapani up to New Delhi while the service of Puri-Chakradharpur intercity train be extended up to Rourkela or Tata Nagar.
Among other demands were the need for a railway station at Murga Road and a level-crossing at Bhagalpur.
Chakradharpur divisional manager Rajendra Prasad said the sector does not generate enough traffic. However, locals stated that train services are not timely available leading to low turn-out of passengers in trains.
The GM stated that the double-line work of East Coast railway was in progress. After completion of the projects, rail connectivity will be available in various areas. He made it clear that the zonal office was empowered to decide on launching of new trains while the railway board will take a final call on it.
In a couple of days, a meeting will be held at Kolkata Garden Rich to determine the timetable. PNN
