Railway fixes Rs.36,480-cr infra spend on radar

In order to exploit the abundant mineral, natural, and tourism potential of the Odisha state to the hilt, the Indian Railways has set aside a staggering sum of Rs. 36,480-cr for investment in the next couple of years, said the concerned minister, claiming that around half-a-dozen projects would be built focusing on strengthening the railway infrastructure and connectivity. Moreover, the state is endowed with a very long coastline, ports, mines and minerals, exotic tourist spots and pilgrim centres and to exploit them, railway emphasis on building a robust rail network across the state. The budgetary allocation for the rail sector in the state was Rs. 1,465-cr in 2014-15, Rs. 3,712-cr in 2015-16, and Rs. 4,682-cr and the allocation was further raised to Rs.5,102 crore in 2017-18 to put the state on the fast track of progress. The steps have already been taken for implementing a number of projects with a targeted investment.