Bhubaneswar: June 28: Dr. Achyuta Samanta, MP, Kandhamal in his maiden speech raised the issue of rail connectivity to Kandhamal, a longstanding demand of people of the district. Rail connectivity will boost development, economic prosperity and tourism. On 27th June during the zero hour in Lok Sabha, Dr. Samanta said, 39 years back the then Prime Minister had given assurance for rail connectivity to Kandamal. Since then, no progress has taken place on the project, even though survey and other procedures were done. He said, people of Kandhamal have longstanding dream to see the railway line to Kandhamal. He urged the Union Railway Minister to take initiative for rail connectivity to Kandhamal. He urged the Ministry of Railways for connecting Phulbani to Purunakatak by rail annex and thereby linking it to Khurda-Balangir line.
