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Thursday, June 25, 2009

Rail line conversion: Natives seek to expedite work

BERHAMPUR: A delegation comprising natives of Rayagada and Gajapati today submitted a memorandum to Railway Ministry demanding to expedite work on the railway line from Nuapada to Paralakhemundi. They also urged the minister to extend the railway line to Theruvali in Rayagada. The Berhampur MP has also met Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee and sought her intervention for early completion of the railway line. He also exhorted the elected representatives irrespective of party lines to put pressure on Centre to earmark funds in the rail budget for South Orissa.

Just couple of days before the election, a trial run of an engine was conducted on the under-construction broadgauge railway line. Obviously the people expected passenger trains to chug on the route, but tardy progress of work has shattered their hopes. Since the railway line will cater to the needs of a large number of people in South Orissa besides of Srikakulam district in Andhra Pradesh, the demand for converting it into broad-gauge line gained ground. Initally the target was set to complete the track by 2007 but it was again extended to 2009. Just before the general election, the 31-km stretch from Naupada to Paralakhemundi was completed and trial runs were also conducted. But for last one month the work has slowed down.

Source: New Indianexpress

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