Phulbani: The Kandhamal Vikash Parishad is today observing a 12-hour bandh in the district demanding railway connectivity.

Various organizations have extended their support to the bandh call. The effect of the bandh observance was felt in Phulbani, Baliguda, K Nuagaon, Raikia, Kotagarh, Tumudibandha, Daringbadi, G Udayagiri and Tikabali.

While shops and business establishments remained closed, vehicular movement was affected as the agitators staged road blockade at various places and resorted to picketing.

The revised location survey map for the Gopalpur-Sambalpur railway line, prepared by the Odisha Rail Infrastructure Development Limited (ORIDL), has omitted Phulbani. The matter is being strongly opposed by the locals.

The initial location survey map had proposed to connect Berhampur, Aska, Kandhamal, and Sambalpur. However, the revised map featured a change in the route, with the line now bypassing Phulbani and connecting to the Bolangir-Khurdha Road railway line near Madhapur via Bhanjanagar.