Naupada-Gunupur rail project on schedule

The gauge conversion of Naupada-Gunupur railway line is likely to be completed by the end of the current financial year. About Rs 25 crore were allotted in this year's budget to complete the on going 91-km gauge conversion project.

"The work is in full swing and is expected to be completed by March 31, 2008," said SS Khurana, general manager of east coast railway here.

Over Rs 66 crore has been spent on the project so far. The project to change the gauge had started in 2004 following prolonged agitation. The local people had demanded extension of the line up to Bisamcuttack via Rayagada.

The proposed railway line would be vital communication link for the people of the southern Orisa districts and parts of Andhra Pradesh. Khurana was here to inaugurate the renovated VIP room in Berhampur railway station.

He also reviewed the progress of modernisation scheme in Berhampur railway station. Faced with drinking water crisis in several railway stations including Berhampur, the east coast Railway has requested the state government for alternative arrangement of drinking water supply to its problem-ridden stations.

"We have requested the state government for arrangement of alternative sources of drinking water to some of the stations including Berhampur of the east coast railway zone to mitigate the drinking water problem in the zone," Khurana said.

Emphasing on improvement in amenities and passenger safety, he said, about Rs 15 crore would be spent in the zone for improvement in amenities in different stations in the current year.