Odisha sanctions Rs 150 crore for Khurda-Bolangir line, 10.5 km new line commissioned

Odisha sanctions Rs 150 crore for Khurda-Bolangir line, 10. 5 km new line commissioned PTI Updated: November 13th, 2022, 16:06 IST in Metro , State , Top Stories 0 Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on WhatsApp Share on Linkedin Bhubaneswar: With the Indian Railways commissioning the 10. 5 km of newly-laid broad gauge line between Bichhupali and Jhartarbha of Khurda Road-Bolangir rail line project, the Odisha government has sanctioned Rs 150 crore for speedy execution of the much-awaited project.

Principal Secretary, Commerce and Transport Department, BP Sethi, has directed state government officials to release the fund to railways for early completion of the project. The state government has given land free of cost and bearing 50 per cent construction cost for the 306. 25 km Khurda Road-Bolangir railway project.

“I am directed to convey the sanction of the Governor to an expenditure of Rs 150 crore only for development of Khurda Road-Bolangir NBG Rail Link Project from 112 km–289 km during the year 2022-2023,” Transport Department Financial Advisor cum Special Secretary wrote to the Accountant General. Recently, the state government held a high-level meeting with senior officials from Central government, Railway, Forest Department and Revenue Department to expedite the project. Decisions have also been taken to fast-track the forest clearance at the earliest in a time bound manner, the official said.

Though survey of the new rail line between Khurda and Bolangir, connecting the coastal region of the state with the western district, was done in 1945, it got sanction from the Centre only in 1994-95 and the project is already delayed by more than 20 years due to lack of funds following which the state government signed an MoU with railways to contribute certain amount of funds for expediting the works. Meanwhile, sources said the ambitious project is also being delayed due to non-issue of Stage-I forest clearance. Of the total length of 306 km of the Khurda Road-Bolangir new railway project, 91 km from Khurda Road to Nuagaon has been commissioned.

Now, another 10. 5 km between Bichhupali and Jhartarbha is commissioned. Officials said that the work is in progress from Nuagaon to Daspalla (91 km to 106 km) and target is set to commission it by March 2023.

The work from Daspalla to Buguda (106 km to 121 km) is very slow due to non-issue of Stage-I forest clearance from the Ministry of Environment and Forest, the sources said. Similarly, work from Buguda to Banigocghha is also yet to start due to non-issue of the Stage-I forest clearance. In total, the Government of India is yet to issue required forest clearance from 112 to 180 km while the work from 180 to 275 km is in progress and work at 275-301 km already commissioned.

Meanwhile, the East Coast Railways in a statement said that the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) has inspected this newly laid Bichhupali and Jhartarbha line on November 10. The CRS inspected the safety aspects of the newly rail line like railway track, signalling system, bridge works and others thoroughly and declared fit for the purpose for 10. 65 km line of the on-going Khurda Road-Balangir Rail line project.

The railways has been constructing the line from both the sides, from Khurda Road and Bolangir, for early completion of the project. PTI Tags: Indian Railways Khurda Road-Bolangir rail line Share Tweet Send Share Suggest A Correction Enter your email to get our daily news in your inbox. Leave this field empty if you’re human: Related Posts Bird walk launched in Berhampur University campus November 13, 2022 Brilliant Curran, gutsy Rashid restrict Pakistan to 137/8 November 13, 2022 England win toss, opt to field in T20 WC final against Pakistan November 13, 2022 In Malkangiri’s tribal villages, every drop saved today is an investment for tomorrow November 13, 2022 Biryani during eclipse row: Jagannath temple servitors seek action against rationalists November 13, 2022 Odisha renews agreement with Bihar to ply buses on 33 routes November 13, 2022 Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published.

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