TNI Bureau: In a significant move highlighting long-standing infrastructure concerns, Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Sasmit Patra has written to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw seeking urgent intervention for railway development in South Odisha.

In his letter dated April 14, 2026, Patra drew attention to the demands raised by the Dakshin Odisha Railpath Unnayan Milita Kriyanusthan Committee and the South Odisha Railway Development Joint Action Committee—platforms representing civil society groups and public organizations from the region.

These groups recently approached authorities in Delhi, flagging what they described as persistent neglect of railway infrastructure in South Odisha.
The letter outlines several critical concerns. Foremost among them is the non-approval of key railway lines, including Gopalpur–Rairakhol, Gopalpur–Mohana–Singapur Road, and Gopalpur–Talcher via Maa Taratarini Temple. Patra emphasized that the absence of sanction for these projects is severely affecting regional connectivity, economic integration, and overall development.

He also highlighted projects stuck at preliminary stages, such as the Junagarh–Gopalpur line via Kandhamal, which remains stalled at the survey phase. Additionally, he pointed to the slow progress of ongoing lines like Gunupur–Theruvali, Jeypore–Malkangiri, and Jeypore–Nabarangpur, urging expedited execution.

The MP further called for the inclusion of these projects under national infrastructure initiatives to ensure priority implementation. He flagged the “severe underdevelopment” of Brahmapur (Berhampur) railway station and stressed the need for its modernization. Another key demand included the establishment of a coaching depot at Golanthara.

Dr. Patra also urged the Railway Ministry to take immediate and time-bound action to address these issues, stating that such steps are essential to restore public confidence and unlock the region’s developmental potential.