Bhubaneswar: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday informed about Rs 70 crore being allocated for establishment of the Rayagada Railway Division in South Odisha.
Following a discussion with Nabarangpur MP Balabhadra Majhi, Vaishnaw said that design plan is in final stage and the work is set to commence at the earliest.
Expressing gratitude to the Rail Minister for addressing the much-awaited and public-centric issue, Majhi said: “We have had thorough discussions with the Minister and most of the formalities for formation of Rayagada Division is going to be completed. He has directed the East Coast Railway (ECoR) to finish the drawing/design and float tender, and begin the work at once…”
The MP further stated that a railway division in South Odisha, especially in Rayagada, would enable proper movement of trains. “This was sanctioned but DPR wasn’t sanctioned yet. Andhra Pradesh too had demanded a railway zone in Waltair. This too was sanctioned. So, the demand for a railway division in Rayagada at the earliest gathered steam. I met the Railway Minister in this regard today,” said, adding that land is already available for Railway in Rayagada district.
According to an ECoR release, establishment of Rayagada Railway Division will bring significant benefits to the region, enhancing connectivity and fostering economic growth. This development also reflects the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure and providing better services to the public, it added.