Rlys defensive on Khurda-Balangir project

The Pioneer, June 19, 2008
Pioneer News Service | Bhubaneswar

In the wake of threats by the BJD and some other parties to launch an agitation against the delay in the construction of Khurda Road-Balangir railway project, East Coast Railway (ECoR) soueces on Wednesday claimed that the project was "on the path of progress."

But at the same time, ECoR seemed to be on the defensive on the issue as it laid a condition for the State Government's financial contribution to ensure progress of the project work. An ECoR release stated, "It may also be mentioned that for such social-oriented projects, the financial participation by the State Government and other agencies would also act as a catalyst in speeding up the completion of the project in less time."

An ECoR release said the project, which has been sanctioned at a cost of Rs 700 crore, is poised for continued progress. Phase-I of the project for 36 km has been sanctioned by the Railway Ministry at a cost of Rs 69.98 crore.

The East Coast Railway Construction Organisation has almost completed the land acquisition and earthwork for phase-I of the project. Some bridges have also been completed in this portion. In the rest of the section, the land acquisition work has already been taken up in Khurda, Nayagarh and Balangir districts, the release said.

This year (2008-09), funds of Rs 32 crore have been allotted for various works, which are in progress in the project.

The detailed estimate of phase-II of the project is also under consideration of the Railway Board, the release said.

The release further stated, "It is also likely that more funds may be allotted to this project if the problems of land acquisition, forestry clearance and law and order do not hamper the progress and pace of work."