Bhubaneswar: The government Monday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Union ministry of railways for two new tracks in the state.
The memorandum was signed between the executive director (works) from ministry of railways and the state transport secretary in the presence of Union railways minister Suresh Prabhu and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in New Delhi. According to the MoU, the state and railways will share the cost of laying two new tracks –Jeypore-Malkangiri and Jeypore-Nabarangpur. They were included in the last railway budget following the state’s request.
As per the agreement, the state will bear 25 per cent cost on development of the 130-km Jeypore-Malkangiri railway line project. For the other project, the state will bear the entire cost of land required for the project along with 50 per cent of the development cost of the 38-km Jeypore-Nabarangpur track.
Prabhu said Orissa is a focus state for railways. “The projects will improve rail connectivity in Orissa, which has minerals, tourism potential, etc. But development is slow due to lack of connectivity. The state government alone cannot ensure connectivity. So, railways is doing its part to improve connectivity in the state,” he said.
“Shared ownership will create better connectivity. 11 railway stations including Bhubaneswar, Jharsuguda, Balasore, Bhadrak, Rourkela, Khurda Road and Rayagada will be redeveloped. They will be converted into commercial hubs and offer better passenger amenities,” he added.
Besides, the railway ministry is planning to develop the state as a tourism hub through IRCTC and open a rail factory in Kalahandi, he claimed Patnaik said Orissa occupies an important place on the railways’ map and an all time high budget of `4880 crore has been earmarked for the state.
“The two projects will serve the most backward, Naxal affected areas. The tribal dominated districts will get railway connectivity for the very first time,” he pointed out. He urged that the two projects be taken up on war footing and completed within the stipulated time.
Union minister for tribal affairs Jual Oram hoped the project will help in the development of tribal areas.
While the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Jeypore–Nabarangpur, which is scheduled to be completed in five years, has been prepared, DPR for Jeypore-Malkangiri (scheduled time six years) is under
preparation.
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