Railways to give Rs2345 cr for pending projects

Constructionweekonline, Oct 1, 2011
Odisha has demanded allocation of Rs 2345 crore in coming railway budget to expedite completion of various ongoing projects in the state.


The demand was put forth by members of the House Committee of Odisha Legislative Assembly on Railways along with a memorandum during their meeting with Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi.

Contending that the state has always been ‘deprived’ of its due share despite contributing Rs7,500 crore to Railways, the members said their demand was prudent to ensure rail connectivity to backward and interior regions of the state.


"There are seven districts which are yet to be brought under the railway network," state Finance Minister Prafulla Ghadai said.

He said construction work of six projects, which are vital for the state, and gauge conversion work was still pending due to paucity of funds. He said Railways should also consider setting up of coach manufacturing units in Kalahandi and Ganjam. Ghadai said that during their interaction, Trivedi assured them to visit the state soon. The memorandum listed a host of other demands which include new passenger services and addition of pantry cars in important trains.