By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, December 2, 2015 : The Odisha government on Wednesday demanded allocation of Rs 5000 crore in the railway budget for the development of rail infrastructure in the state.

Seeking a sizeable part of the revenues generated from the state within the state itself to strengthen and expand railway infrastructure, chief minister Naveen Patnaik in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi said since Odisha continues to be one of the most preferred destinations for investment in metal, mining and power sectors, the state government is leveraging this opportunity to plan for orderly, systematic and comprehensive economic growth by focusing upon infrastructure development and creating dedicated industrial corridors.

“The nature of industrial activities in the state requires a robust and well planned railway infrastructure for its sustainability”, Patnaik remarked.

He further said contrary to the railway route length and rail density in Odisha which is every much below the national average, the gross earnings from various stations in the state is estimated to be in excess of Rs 14,000 crore during the year 2014-15.

The chief minister, however, alleged that the Centre, which has initiated ambitious projects like dedicated freight corridor aligned with mega industrial hubs, national road expressways and high speed train projects, has completely bypassed Odisha where some of the country’s largest investment in steel, aluminium and power sectors are coming up.

Drawing the attention of the prime minister, Patnaik said there is a large part of Odisha especially the backward regions which have remained untouched by the Railways. The lack of infrastructure has been one of the major reasons which have impeded the socio-economic growth this region.

“As you must be aware, these areas are also seriously affected by the left wing extremism. I believe by delivering rail services in the Maoist-affected regions is one of the best means to catalyze development and provide counteractive force,” Patnaik added.

Stating that his government has been extending all support to the Railway ministry for implementation of rail projects in the state, he said the state government has signed two MoUs with Railway ministry for setting up of two SPV/JVs, one for taking up new rail projects in the state and another for construction of rail infrastructure jointly with the Coal ministry for coal evacuation.

Patnaik further said the state government has signed another MoU fortimely construction of Khurda-Balangir railway line. Apart from this, the state government has consented to bear 25% of construction cost for Jeypore-Malkangiri project and to provide all land free of cost and bear 50% of construction cost for Jeypore-Nabarangpur project in the backward and undivided Koraput district.

“Considering this, the Railway ministry may be urged to take up these projects on top priority”, he pointed out.

Besides, the chief minister urged Modi to advise the Railways to expedite execution of world class station in Bhubaneswar.

“The Odisha government has communicated its willingness to bear 50% of the cost of construction of an ultra-modern station at Bhubaneswar. Similarly, the railway stations at important district centres and major tourist destinations need special attention,” Patnaik said in the letter.