GG News Bureau
Berhampur, 11th Sept. Residents of Ganjam district continued their protest for the third consecutive day on Wednesday, alleging that South Odisha has been neglected by the Ministry of Railways. The demonstration, organized by the Milita Kriyaanusthan Committee, saw a large number of participants staging a dharna near the railway station.
The protest, which began on Monday, is set to continue for at least a week, according to committee leaders. Participants included advocates, social activists, retired bureaucrats, teachers, and businessmen, all rallying for better railway facilities in the region.
Congress MLA Mohana Dasarathi Gamang joined the dharna on Tuesday, expressing solidarity with the protesters. The committee’s demands include the construction of new railway lines connecting Gopalpur to Rayagada, Gopalpur to Sambalpur, and Gopalpur to Talcher. Additionally, they are calling for two new platforms at Berhampur station, the establishment of a new railway division in Berhampur, and the setting up of a proposed wagon factory in Sitalapalli to provide employment to local youths.
The proposed wagon factory, which was sanctioned by the central government during Mamata Banerjee’s tenure as railway minister, has not been implemented, which the protesters attribute to the Ministry’s neglect of southern Odisha districts.
The committee argues that despite long-standing demands from the people of Ganjam, Gajapati, and Kandhamal districts, the current budget has disregarded these needs. They also highlight that Kandhamal district, which currently lacks railway connectivity, would benefit significantly from the proposed projects.
Protesters, including senior advocate Somanath Nayak and retired bureaucrat BK Panda, emphasized that the new railway lines would not only enhance connectivity but also support the tribal-dominated Kandhamal district by integrating it into the railway network.
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