Rail projects allegedly delayed in Odisha's Koraput district

Work on rail line projects from Jeypore to both Nabarangpur and Malkangiri in Odisha, included in the Railway budget 2016-17, is being allegedly delayed as the detailed project report (DPR) is yet to be prepared.
MoU between the Railway ministry and Odisha government was signed in October 2016 at New Delhi for cost sharing of the twin projects, but there is little progress in the absence of the DPR, leaders from the area claimed.
"The DPR is essential for acquiring land and obtaining forest clearance for the project but the railway board which is entrusted with preparing the DPR is yet to even start its work," Nabarangpur MP Balabhadra Majhi said.

"On several occasions I have personally approached the officials concerned for preparation of the DPR but to no avail," he said.
As per the MoU, the state government will bear 25 per cent of the total cost of the 130 km Jeypore-Malkangiri rail line and provide the entire land cost and 50 per cent of the project cost for 38 km long Jeypore-Nabarangpur rail line.
"In the first phase, the state government has already given Rs 200 crore and Rs 52 crore for the Jeypore-Nabarangpur and Jeypore-Malkangiri rail line respectively. Also, the state government has appointed a special land acquisition officer and has given green signal for the projects in terms of administrative clearances and transfer of land but work is yet to begin for the absence of DPR," Majhi said.

"In some cases, the state government will acquire land from the forest department and will hand over alternative land to the forest department," he added.

The twin rail projects assume significance given that once completed, it will not only place the two most backward and worst Maoist-affected districts of the state on the railway map but also boost development in the area.
"Railway lines in the two districts will promote tourism, industrialisation and strengthen the tribal economy apart from providing better transportation system to the public. We demand the immediate commencement of the projects," said President of Koraput Railway Users Association and Jeypore MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati.

When contacted, a senior official of the East Coast railway said, "The project is on track but at this moment I can't reveal details of deadline for the DPR.