Odisha has potential for major investment in Railway infrastructure- Prabhu

20 March, Bhubaneswar

The Railways will be investing in a big way in the infrastructure development in Odisha in view of the potential of the state which has a long coast line, port connectivity, world heritage sites and religious tourism,Union railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said Monday.

Prabhu who flagged off extension of two trains, laid the foundation stone of four projects and inaugurated escalators at the Bhubaneswar station here, said his ministry had increased capital outlay for Odisha from Rs 839 crore during the UPA government to Rs 5,102 crore in the present budget.

The Union Minister said at present railways projects worth over Rs 36,480 crore are under various stages of implementation in the state and the railways have planned to invest more on the development of infrastructure.He urged Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to sort out the local issues involving in the implementation of various ongoing railway projects in the state and assured his ministry’s full cooperation in extending all help to expedite the railway projects in the state.

The Union Minister flagged off the extension of the Khurda Road- Raj Sunakhola- Khurda Road passenger train to Bolgarh and Rourkela Bhubaneswar Rajyarani Express train to Gunupur.He also laid the foundation stone of Khurda Road by pass line and Bondamunda- Rourkela 4th line,Multi disciplinary training centre at Jagatpur and maintenance facilities for MEMU units at Khurda road.

The Union Minister also inaugurated one lift and two escalators at Bhubaneswar Railway station and raising and extension of platform and new approach road at Jharsuguda.He dedicated the newly commissioned Handpa-Sargipali double line section and inaugurated the Digidhan Mela at the Bhuabneswar Railway station.