Railway link yet to see light of day

The Statesman, July 11, 2007
Statesman News Service
ROURKELA, July 10: The railway ministry continues to show its step-motherly attitude towards the Talcher-Bimlagarh railway line, which is one of the most important and vital railway links in the state. This is one of the most controversial railway projects, having been undertaken about forty years ago and is yet to witness completion. Every year money is put on this 200 kilometre project, for the purpose of keeping it alive.
Answering to a question raised by Mr Juel Oram, the MP, Sundergarh, Mr Velluraman the minister of state for railways, informed that the department has sanctioned an amount of Rs 15 crore for this railway link. The minister added that the amount has been allotted for expansion, survey and other such works needed before laying the railway track.
It is disheartening to learn that after so many years, the amount has been increased by five crore said a railway official here. “The ministry is not very serious about it, for which it has been neglected for years. This little amount is meant to keep the project alive,” the official said.
This vital link will certainly go a long way in improving the economic condition of the state, besides increasing the connectivity between western and coastal Orissa. This railway link will also provide an easy approach for goods to reach the Paradip port and it will earn more profit. Besides, the Paradip will become busy in comparison to others.
This part of the state witnessed mass movements, demanding the completion of the project, but so far nothing has moved beyond the drawing board. The political parties are putting blame on each other, but the fact is that no party ever took this project very seriously.
Mr Kahnu Charana Lenka, who was once the minister for state railways could not do any thing to write about. The same thing happened when the BJD was a major constituent in the BJP led NDA government.