Land acquisition, green issues hurdles for rail infra dev in Odisha

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Apr 27:

Land acquisition problems and problems concerning diversion of forest land have bogged down the progress of ongoing railway projects in Odisha.

“Mainly land acquisition, conversion of forest land and encroachment removal was discussed. Railways have been asked to expedite projects that have been delayed. They have been asked to complete the projects as per revised timelines,” said Chief Secretary A P Padhi speaking to reporters after a review meeting at the State Secretariat here on the progress of ongoing railway projects in the state.

The progress of Khurda-Bolangir, Talcher-Bimalagarh, Angul-Sukinda, and Paradip-Haridaspur railway line projects were reviewed at the meeting.

It was revealed at the meeting that out of total 289 km of the Khurda-Bolangir railway line project, work has been completed on only 56 km.

However, railways authorities have told the meeting that laying of track up to Nayagarh would be completed within a month.