Orissa seeks railways support for industrial, freight corridor

The Orissa government has drawn the attention of the railway ministry for development of a dedicated industrial corridor in Angul-Chhendipada region in public-private-partnership (PPP) mode, extension of the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor up to Haridaspur, second phase doubling of the Khurda-Puri railway line among others.

It has also demanded for railway connectivity to the proposed multi-modal logistic hub and auto-hub in the state along with expediting the work of two world class stations at Puri and Bhubaneswar.

These demands were raised by chief minister, Naveen Patnaik before Railway Board chairman, S S Khurana, who called on him in the state secretariat. Talking to the media after the meeting, Khurana said, the state government has given the proposals to the railway ministry suggesting construction of new lines and completion of on-going projects. The Railway Board would consider the proposals.

On the long delay in completion of Khurda-Bolangir railway line, the he said, “We are trying to implement the project. However, non-availability of fund is the main constraint.” Asked whether the Railways has any plan to connect the upcoming port sites in the state, he said, it has already accorded permission for the construction of rail lines by Dhamara port authorities.

A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) is being formed with the port developers for executing railway projects connecting the port sites, he added. Chief minister Patnaik said, the state government has given proposals seeking allocation of Rs 1805 crore for various railway projects in the state in the 2010-11 Railways budget.

It includes expediting the work on Khurda-Bolangir line sanctioned 15 years back, setting up of two multi functional complexes having shopping malls, PCO booths, medicine shops, variety stores and budget hotels which were announced in the last budget.

Sources said, the Railway Board chairman told the chief minister that Naupada-Gunupur railway line is completed till Parlakhemundi and would be completed this year.

The Railways would provide the required connectivity to the proposed multi-modal logistic hub and auto-hub in the state after the state government identifies land for these projects. Further, for the railway projects to be taken up in PPP mode, a committee consisting of state government officials, Railways and the concerned industries would be formed.

He is reported to have pointed out that the Railways is facing constraint of funds due to the payment of revised scales of pay to the employees as per the recommendation of the Sixth Pay Commission (SPC) and this may further deteriorate next year.