Bhanjanagar: The long standing dream for a railway link from Berhampur in Ganjam district to Phulbani in Kandhamal district is yet to turn into a reality for the residents. The project is yet to embark on despite facing huge flak over its inordinate delay.
The development of many underdeveloped areas has been seriously hampered due to the lack of railway connectivity between the two districts. The project would have boosted the market for forest and organic agricultural produce of tribal people and dalits.
The prospects of tourism in places like Daringbadi, known as the Kashmir of Orissa, in Kandhamal would have also improved. The proposed track was expected to give an impetus to industrial growth in south Orissa. It would link many towns in Ganjam and Kandhamal districts such as Bhanjanagar, Aska, Tikabali and Phulbani, places which do not have a railway link till date.
Several organisations had earlier warned of agitations, citing delay in the project. Several meetings were held and future plans have been chalked out but all efforts have been left neglected.
Earlier, residents of both districts had warned to conduct a rally in Berhampur and hand over a memorandum to the Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC), Southern Division, regarding the railway link. The protesters had also planned a motorcycle rally to create awareness among people.
Prasant Mohanty, a professional writer, said: “Where there is no communication facility, there is no chance for development. Communication not only ignites the development of an area but also brings out the hidden potential in neglected people.
“It is very saddening to know that Kandhamal has not got a railway link even after 70 years of independence. Several politicians have originated from both districts but no one has done anything in this regard. Keeping in mind the development of districts, it is the duty of peoples’ representatives to stand out for the project.”
Meanwhile CPI (M) leader Dandapani Swain said the Centre should allocate budget and take steps to commence the proposed track. “There has been no survey held for the construction of the railway project,” Swain said.
Nrusingh Kumar Rath, former state Youth Congress secretary, blamed the Centre for its delay.
“The railway track was first proposed by Aska Lok Sabha MP Somnath Rath at a meeting in 1988. However, the central government has been paying no heed despite several demands,” complained Rath.
Rajendra Prasad Pradhan, vice-president of Ganjam BJD unit, also blamed the Centre for its apathy. He said: “The Centre has been neglecting the demands of Orissa and it is highly disappointing.”
“The project would not only boost the development of two districts but also help the state’s development,” said Pradhan, adding that the Centre should take immediate steps to begin the project. PNN