MoU soon for Khurda-Bolangir rly project

Bhubaneswar: If everything falls into place, Khurda-Bolangir railway project will finally see the day’s light as the State government is going to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with railway ministry to complete the project within six years.

Official sources said, a blue print has been designed to complete the construction work for which both the parties have agreed.
While the State government will provide land for free, both the ministry and the Odisha government will have equity participation of 50% each. Besides, the State will bear half of the estimated Rs 2000 crore project cost.

“We aim to complete land acquisition within three years. This apart a joint committee will be formed to oversee the project work,” State transport minister Ramesh Majhi said.

The 289 km project, sanctioned in 1994-95, has witnessed the completion of 54km work between Khurda and Begunia.

Notably, for 2015-16, the State has received Rs 2,514 crore against its demand of Rs 3,200 crore for construction of new lines, gauge conversion, doubling, boosting passenger amenities, improving traffic facilities, safety and electrification.