Bhubaneswar Dec 3 : Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik requested the Centre to ensure allocation of a sizable part of the revenues generated from the state within the state itself to strengthen railway infrastructure.
In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Naveen said as Odisha continues to be one of the most preferred destinations for investment in metal, mining and power sectors, the state government is leveraging this opportunity to plan for orderly, systematic and comprehensive economic growth by focusing upon infrastructure development and creating dedicated industrial corridors.
“The nature of industrial activities in the state requires a robust and well planned railway infrastructure for its sustainability”, Patnaik observed.
He further said contrary to the railway route length and rail density in Odisha which is every much below the national average, the gross earnings from various stations in the state is estimated to be in excess of Rs 14,000 crore during the year 2014-15.
The chief minister, however, alleged that the Centre, which has initiated ambitious projects like dedicated freight corridor aligned with mega industrial hubs, national road expressways and high speed train projects, has completely bypassed Odisha where some of the country’s largest investment in steel, aluminium and power sectors are coming up.
Drawing the attention of the prime minister, Patnaik said there is a large part of Odisha especially the backward regions which have remained untouched by the Railways. The lack of infrastructure has been one of the major reasons which have impeded the socio-economic growth this region.
“As you must be aware, these areas are also seriously affected by the left wing extremism. I believe by delivering rail services in the Maoist-affected regions is one of the best means to catalyze development and provide counteractive force,” Patnaik added.
