TNI Bureau: Biju Janata Dal MP Dr. Sasmit Patra raised the issue of southern Odisha’s development during Zero Hour, urging the Union Government to take up key infrastructure projects on priority. Speaking on behalf of the party and its leader Naveen Patnaik, he said the region’s progress depends on three pillars — railways, national highways and airports.

On railways, he highlighted the need for projects such as the Railway Wagon Technology Park at Sitalapalli, the Gopalpur–Rayagada new line, the Brahmapur–Sambalpur line via Hinjili–Aska–Phulbani, and modernisation of Brahmapur station in Ganjam. He said the Naupada–Gunupur–Theruvali second line is essential for Gajapati. For Kandhamal, he stressed the importance of the Brahmapur–Sambalpur line through Phulbani and the Khurda Road–Bolangir line. He also called for the Gunupur–Theruvali new line and the Vizianagaram–Titlagarh third line for Rayagada, and the Jeypore–Nabarangpur, Jeypore–Malkangiri lines, and Kottavalasa–Koraput doubling for Koraput. For Nabarangpur, he said the Junagarh–Nabarangpur and Jeypore–Nabarangpur lines are crucial, while for Malkangiri, the Jeypore–Malkangiri and Malkangiri–Pandurangapuram lines are necessary.

On national highways, Dr. Patra called for four-laning of NH-157 from Brahmapur to Sambalpur and development of the Brahmapur–Koraput highway in Ganjam. He said the Vijayawada–Ranchi Economic Corridor is important for Gajapati. For Kandhamal, he urged widening of accident-prone ghat sections at Kalinga, Phulbani and Ranipathar. He also sought development of the Vijayawada–Ranchi corridor stretch and the Palasa–Paralakhemundi–Rayagada–Bhawanipatna road in Rayagada. In Koraput, he called for speedy completion of NH-26 from Borigumma to Jeypore and construction of the Jeypore and Kotpad bypasses. He said NH-26 from Nabarangpur to Koksara is delayed, while NH-326 from Malkangiri to Motu needs upgradation.

On aviation, Dr. Patra urged the immediate commissioning of the Rangeilunda (Brahmapur) Airport. He said although Jeypore and Malkangiri airports are commissioned, they suffer from infrequent and cancelled flights and need reliable operations. He also proposed exploring smaller airports in other southern districts to tap the region’s eco-tourism potential.

He appealed to the Union Government to take up these projects without delay, stating that the development of southern Odisha is vital to the state’s overall progress.