Railways, Odisha sign MoU for new broad gauge segment

NEW DELHI: Railways today signed an agreement with Odisha government for speedy implementation of a segment of Khurda Road-Bolangir new broad gauge rail line on cost-sharing basis.

Signing of this Memorandum of Understanding will go a long way in developing infrastructure in Odisha, as Dasapalla-Bolangir segment of Khurda-Bolangir new line running from east to west across the state will accelerate the development in the districts falling on this line, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said.

Khurda Road-Bolangir (289 km) new line project has been taken up by the Railways at an anticipated cost of Rs 3,050 crore.

Odisha has consented to partner with Railways by providing land free of cost and sharing 50 per cent of the construction cost for Dasapalla to Bolangir (177 km), to complete this important infrastructure project.

"We are also working on setting up a dedicated company for implementation of railway projects in collaboration with Odisha government. I already held discussions with Chief Minister of Odisha who has agreed for the same. Once this dedicated company comes into being, it will have focused attention on implementing projects in Odisha," Prabhu said.

Prabhu further said Odisha, being a mineral rich state, has a special place in today's economic scenario of the country and Railways is aware of its responsibility to cater to the needs of transportation of people and goods.

He also assured that Railways will complete the projects expeditiously.

The MoU signing event was held in the presence of many Odisha MPs and senior officials from the state and Railways.