Take early decision on Digha-Jaleswar Broad Gauge Rail Project: Naveen to Goyal

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday requested Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal to take an early decision to change the alignment of railway line from Jaleswar to Digha in South Eastern Railway.

In a letter to Goyal, the Chief Minister requested his intervention in the Digha-Jaleswar Broad Gauge Rail Project which has been stalled for more than 7 years.

He said the realignment of the rail project will pass through Odisha touching various pilgrim and tourist spots in the state.

“The proposed realigned line will pass through the State of Odisha touching various pilgrim and tourist spots like Bhusandheswar, Chandaneswar and Talsari-Udayapur Beach. Such a change of alignment will not only help in development of tourism but will also aid in improving the socio-economic condition of the region,” said the Chief Minister.

The railway project was sanctioned during the year 2011-12. A length of 7 kms of this project passes through West Bengal while 34 kms of length passes through Balasore district in Odisha. Even after 7 years of its sanctioning, the project has not yet taken off in terms of construction.

The project has been kept on hold as land acquisition in West Bengal portion has not progressed.