 "Naveen seeks higher allocation for state in Rail budget")
"As highlighted in my earlier letters to you, the railway route length and rail density in Odisha is well below national average as also substantially lower than that in neighboring states. In contrast, gross earnings from various stations in Odisha is estimated to be in excess of Rs 14,OOO crore during the year 2013- 2014. I would request you to kindly ensure allocation of a sizeable part of the revenues generated from Odisha within the state itself for strengthening and expanding rail infrastructure", Patnaik wrote to Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.
Stating that Odisha being one of the preferred destinations for investment especially in metal, mining and power sectors, he said, 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.
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"The nature of industrial activities in the state requires a robust and well planned railway infrastructure for its sustainability", he added.
Patnaik said, the central government has initiated many ambitious projects like dedicated freight corridor aligned with mega industrial hubs, national road expressways and high speed train projects which have completely bypassed Odisha although some of the country's largest investments in the steel, aluminum and power sectors are lined up in the state.
He pitched for a synchronised development plan hinged on rail connectivity to upcoming ports in the state for maximising economic gains. Patnaik earlier requested the railways ministry to undertake rail connectivity to ports on Odisha coast in a time-bound manner .
The chief minister also requested the ministry for extending rail services in the backward regions which are affected by left wing extremism.
In the letter, Patnaik pointed out about the inordinately delayed Khurda-Bolangir railway line which is on slow lane for paucity of funds. The state government has agreed to allocate land (including private land) in the Daspalla- Bolangir stretch (112-289 kilometers) free of cost and share 50 per cent of construction cost for this segment.
Similarly, the state government has consented to bear 25 per cent of construction cost for Jeypore-Malkangiri project and to provide all land free of cost and bear 50 per cent of construction cost for Jeypore - Nabarangpur project in the backward KBK (Kalhandi Bolangir Koraput) area.
Hence, the railway ministry may take up this project on top priority, he wrote. The chief minister also wanted Modi to advise the Railways to expedite construction of world class stations at Bhubaneswaar and Puri for providing improved passenger amenities. The state government has agreed to bear 50 per cent cost of building an ultramodern station in the state capital.