Odisha deserved more rail allocations: Sasmit Patra

 Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal on Thursday stated that the stated deserved a better rail share in the Union Budget 20-21. He added that it is definitely injustice to a state, which contributes maximum rail revenue. In a press release Rajya Sabha MP and BJD national spokesperson Sasmit Patra raised the following few key issues.

  1. The reduction in overall allocation for the state is a cause of serious concern as Odisha remains one of the least rail coverage states in the country despite the state contributing maximum revenue.
  2. We welcome the Gopalpur-Sambalpur proposed line. This will be a big economic booster to the area if executed in time.
  3. No new railway project has been introduced in sectors that were suggested by the state with a commitment to share cost. We expected to get sanction for projects like Puri-Konark; Bargarh-Nuapada; Jajpur-Aradi-Dhamra; Chakulia-Buramara, Gunupur-Therubali (new line) where State has committed assistance.
  4. We welcome introduction of more Tejas type trains. We hope more numbers of such trains would be introduced in Odisha.
  5. Lastly, Railways must improve their expenditure and track record in completion of delayed projects.