New Delhi: Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu Friday told the Rajya Sabha that investing in Orissa ultimately means development of the whole country.
Prabhu was responding to a starred question raised by Rajya Sabha MP Ranjib Biswal (Congress) the Question Hour.
Biswal said, “The railway minister, during his recent visit to Orissa, had assured a package of `32,000 crore for the state to boosting railway infrastructure. I want to know whether all the money for the proposed package has been given to the state government and by when electrification of railway lines in Orissa will be completed.”
Prabhu said, “This was not a package rather these were projects which are being implemented. Even the state government has accepted that the railways has for the first time given more funds than what was demanded by the state because of the fact that Orissa is a mineral rich state and is full of resources. If we invest in Orissa it will mean developing the whole country.”
BJD MP Sarojini Hembram also raised some questions pertaining to the delay in signaling and electrification works on some railway lines in the state.
Stating that the electrification and signaling work along the Paradip-Haridaspur-Angul-Sukinda lines are still hanging in balance, Hembram wanted to know as to when the projects are going to be completed.
Responding to Hembram, Prabhu said there had been some changes in the funding pattern with the new joint venture of the railways where the state is now expected to spend less. Though there are some law and order issues these are expected to be sorted out soon, he added.
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