Bhubaneswar: Kalahandi MP Basanta Panda has urged Railways Minister Piyush Goyal for introduction of several new railway projects and expedition of existing projects in the parliamentary constituency for better rail connectivity.

Panda met Goyal and handed him a letter, in which the parliamentarian has urged for stoppage of Samata Express and Puri-Ahmedabad Express trains at Nuapada railway station as it provides railway link to Nrusinghabath-Patora-Harishankar tourist spots.

He also urged for a rake point at Nuapada railway station to augment Public Distribution System across the district, Intercity Express from Visakhapatnam to Junagarh and Junagarh to Visakhapatnam, commencement of work for establishment of wagon factory at Narla Road, extension of Ispat Express to Khariar Road or Kesinga, extension of Puri-Durg Intercity Express via Kesinga Railway Station, underpass for traffic control at Kesinga Railway crossing and expedition of work for Bargarh-Nuapada railway line.

"KBJ-Rajkhariar-Ammpani-Nabarangpur-Jeypore is proposed line of 220 KMs stretch. Survey is underway. The said line will establish better connect in undivided Balangir, Kalahandi and Koraput districts. A large section of tribal population and migrant labourers will be hugely benefited. Plus, it will help in fighting the Maoists who have safe heavens to carry out their terrorist operations from this area. I urge to complete the survey at the earliest and commission safe the project for greater interest of public," Panda said in the letter.