Source- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/bargarh-nuapada-rail-link-plan-gets-in-principle-nod/articleshow/88641157.cms
Publisher- TOI
Bhubaneswar: The ministry of railways has accorded in-principle approval for taking up pre-investment activities for the Bargarh Road-Nawapara (Nuapada) Road new line project. This 142-km project will connect Nrusinghanath temple and other important places in the Bargarh district.
The Odisha Rail Infrastructure Development Limited (ORIDL), a joint venture company of the Odisha government (51%), and the ministry of railways (49%), had requested the Indian Railways to process the project’s proposal.
The Railway Board, in a letter to ORIDL issued on Friday, said, “The proposal of ORIDL has been examined by the ministry of railways and the competent authority has accorded in-principle approval for taking up pre-investment activities for this project.”
The Board has also said the cost of land must be borne fully by the state government and the project’s execution should not commence without financial closure.
On July 30 last year, Union railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had told the Rajya Sabha that the survey for a new line between Bargarh Road and Nawapara Road via Padampur was completed in 2018-19. The project was operationally unjustified, as such, it could not be taken forward, read the reply.
However, ORIDL had identified the project for development. The Odisha government had given their consent to bear the cost of land. The minister had told the Uooer house that the or000sal was taken uo for examination.
“At present, there is no rail connectivity to Nrusinghanath temple. If this project sees the light of the day, it can cover the tourist place while connecting Bargarh to Nuapada. After the rail communication is launched, this place will get more tourists and devotees,” said a local.
People from Bargarh can save more than two hours if they travel to Raipur via Nuapada. They can save time while travelling to Bhubaneswar as well. Some places like Bijepur, Padampur, Gaisilet and Paikmal will also get rail connectivity.
