By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, April 28, 2017 : Faced with tardy progress in the development of rail infrastructure in the state, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday has sent a proposal to the Centre to share half of the project cost of the new rail line from Puri to Konark, where the 13th century gigantic temple of Sun God is located.

The government has given this offer to the centre in its effort to boost the tourism potential in the golden triangle circuit.

Patnaik urged Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu for early sanction of the project and signing of the MoU for timely completion.

However, land acquisition and problems concerning diversion of forest land have bogged down the progress of ongoing railway projects in Odisha.

“Mainly land acquisition, conversion of forest land and encroachment removal was discussed. Railways have been asked to expedite projects that have been delayed. They have been asked to complete the projects as per revised timelines,” said Chief Secretary A P Padhi speaking to reporters after a review meeting at the State Secretariat here on the progress of ongoing railway projects in the state.

The progress of Khurda-Bolangir, Talcher-Bimalagarh, Angul-Sukinda, and Paradip-Haridaspur railway line projects were reviewed at the meeting.

Out of 289 km of the Khurda-Bolangir railway line project, work has been completed on only 56 km.

However, railways authorities have told the meeting that laying of track up to Nayagarh would be completed within a month.