**Bhubaneswar: ** Two important train extensions were flagged off today here by Union Railways Minister Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu during his visit to Odisha on Monday.
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Bhubaneswar MP Prasanna Patsani graced the occasion.
It is the extension of Khurda Road-Rajsunakhala passenger up to Bolagarh Road.
While earlier this train was passing through Khurda town, Begunia and Rajsunakhala, it will now connect to Bolagarh.
Similarly, Prabhu inaugurated the extension of Rourkela-Bhubaneswar Rajyarani Express up to Gunupur.
He also laid foundation stones for Khurda Road bypass line, fourth line between Rourkela and Bondamunda, Multi Disciplinary Training Centre at Jagatpur in Cuttack and maintenance facilities for Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) units at Khurda Road.
Speaking on the occasion, the Odisha CM said, “I am delighted that we are flagging off 2 important train extensions today. One of the Khurda-Bolangir line where people of Bolgarh are getting rail connectivity for the first time and another important express train connecting Gunpur to the capital city of Bhubaneswar via Paralakhemundi. This train will connect important cities of Rourkela and Bhubaneswar directly with Gajapati and Rayagada districts.”
“Passenger amenities are of utmost importance and I congratulate the Railways for commissioning amenities like lifts, escalators, new platforms, etc at Bhubaneswar and Jharsuguda Road stations. The MEMU maintenance facility at Khurda Road augurs well for the introduction of MEMU services for the rail users in Odisha,” he added.
The Odisha CM also informed, “My Government is at the forefront of partnering with the railways to provide rail infrastructure and service to the people of Odisha. Our contribution of 50% share of construction cost and free lanf for the projects like Khurda Road-Bolangir, Jeypore-Nabarangpur and 25% share of the project cost of Jeypore-Malkangiri have made these projects viable. The progress as we are witnessing today for people of Bolgarh is a result of that commitment of the State Government. “
“We are also partnering with Indian Railways and have formed a Joint Venture company to improve the connectivity in the State. I have set a target of taking railway to each of our 30 districts and for that we will contribute financially and support railway projects through various means. We are also partnering with the Ministry of Coal and Ministry of Shipping to upgrade railway infrastructure to aid mineral movement,” he further informed.
Requesting the Minister of Railways, the Odisha CM urged him to give due priority to Odisha in passenger services and amenities at Railway Stations.
“Odisha, the biggest contributor to the Railways’ revenue is also a preferred destination for industries. Odisha nurtures a very high aspiration forits people in every sphere. The cities of Bhubaneswar and Rourkela are leaders in Smart City initiatives and considering the growth and all round development in the State, I would like to request Minister for Railways to invest heavily in Odisha which I am sure will return handsome dividends to Railways,” the CM stressed.