Odisha CM seeks PM's intervention for spreading rail network

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention to have a planned railway infrastructure in the state for sustained industrial activity besides spreading rail network in Maoist-hit areas.
"You would appreciate that Odisha continues to be one of the most preferred destinations for investment especially in metal, mining and power sectors," Patnaik said in a letter to the Prime Minister.
Stating that Odisha government is leveraging this opportunity to plan for comprehensive economic growth by focussing on creation of dedicated industrial corridors, he said the nature of industrial activities in the state requires a well planned railway infrastructure for its sustainability.

Noting that railway route length and rail density in Odisha is very much below national average and substantially lower than that in neighbouring states, Patnaik said in contrast, gross earnings from various stations in Odisha is estimated to be in excess of Rs 14,000 crore during 2014-15.
"I would request you to kindly ensure allocation of a sizable part of revenue generated from Odisha within the state itself for strengthening and expanding rail infrastructure," the chief minister said.
Stating that the Centre initiated many projects like dedicated freight corridor aligned with mega industrial hubs, national road expressways and high speed train projects, he said it has completely bypassed Odisha although some of the country's largest investment in steel, aluminium and power sectors are coming up here.

There is a large part of Odisha especially the backward regions which remained untouched by railways, Patnaik said adding lack of infrastructure has been one of the major reasons which have impeded socio-economic growth of this region and these areas are also seriously affected by left wing extremism.

Pointing out that Odisha government is extending all
support to railway ministry for implementation of projects in the state, he said Odisha signed two MoUs with railway ministry - one for setting up two SPV/JVs for taking up new rail projects and another for construction of rail infrastructure jointly with coal ministry for coal evacuation.

There is a vast coal deposit in Ib valley in western Odisha which requires proper rail infrastructure, he said adding Odisha government has already formed a company to develop rail corridor for evacuation of coal from Talcher coalfield.
"Hence to develop synergy, my goernment is exploring the possibility of bringing Brahmani Rail Company under the ambit of the coal SPV," he said.
The chief minister said he also enclosed a brief on the proposed package for Odisha for 2016-17 for new lines, doubling, electrification, gauge conversion, passenger amenities, introduction of new trains along with his letter for consideration.