Union Budget 2017-18: Odisha CM stresses on spending of funds in railway sector

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday said the union budget for 2017-18 has allocated Rs 5102 crore, which is a meager increase of 9 percent over the last year’s allocation.

“We had urged upon the Government of India to provide Rs.5870 crore for various Railway infrastructure projects in the State. We understand that funds to the tune of Rs.5102 crore have been provided in the budget, which is a meager increase of 9 percent over the last year’s allocation,” said the Chief Minister.

The central government had allocated Rs 4682 crore in 2016-17.

“But what is of real concern is that budgetary allocation of the Railways are not being spent fully.  In 2016-17, only 39 percent of the allocation has been spent till December 2016. I hope that this trend will change,” said the Chief Minister.

But what is of real concern is that budgetary allocation of the Railways is not being spent fully.

He informed that the state government provides 50 percent funding and land free of cost in many of our crucial railway projects.

“Odisha makes a major contribution to Railways earnings. It is, therefore, reasonable to expect a major share in terms of projects, new trains, remodeling of Stations and rail-based industries,” said Patnaik.