Bhubaneswar: The center has once again disappointed Odisha in the development of Rail infrastructure in the state. Despite being the largest revenue earner for the Indian Railways, the state has been given paltry Rs 5993.00 Crore rupees in the budget for the year 2019-20. Data given by the East Coast Railways authorities show a downward trend in allocations for major projects in the state.
Though the budget provisions for the year 2019-20 for Odisha is higher from last year, there is no announcement of any new railway project in the state. While the interim budget announced allocation of Rs 5490 crores, the finance bill presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman has increased it marginally to Rs 5993 Crore.
Details of funds allocated to various projects are as follows:
The budget has provisions for survey of five new railway lines in Odisha. Ten fly overs, Chord Line from Talcher to Angul, bypass from Titlagarh-Rahenbata to Sikir. The railways has also provided Rs 180 Crore for passenger amenities in the state. Two automatic Coach washing plants have been sanctioned for Bhubaneswar Coaching Depot. Special Powers given to Zonal Railways to develop Coach Maintenance facilities. Stress has been laid on Road Over Bridges and Road Under Bridges and elimination of Level Crossings.
The Budget has also sanctioned for New Surveys at Raja Athagarh to Kaipadar Road avoiding Bhubaneswar and Khurda Road, flyovers at Titlagarh, Singapur Road, Haridaspur, Koraput, Sambalpur, Machhapur, Jajpur Road, Sambalpur City, Sarla and Gopalpur Port. Chord Line from Talcher to Angul through colliery to avoid engine reversal at Talcher, Bye-Pass Byepassing from Titlagarh-Rahenbata to Sikir and Flyover at Cuttack for Goods Train to avoid congestion at Cuttack.
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