East Coast Railway (ECoR) is making rapid progress in the construction of the Bargarh Road-Nawapara Road New Railway Line via Padampur, a strategically important project aimed at boosting regional connectivity, facilitating economic growth and improving freight and passenger transportation in Odisha. The 138.32 km-long new railway line, declared as a Special Railway Project, is being constructed with an estimated investment of ₹2,621.92 crore including major financial support from the Government of Odisha.[/color]

Land Acquisition Work Progressing Rapidly

A major component in the execution of the project is land acquisition, which is being carried out in a phased manner to ensure timely progress. The project requires 924.64 hectares of land including 752.524 hectares of private land, 123.233 hectares of government land and 48.913 hectares of forest land. The estimated cost for land acquisition stands at ₹364 crore.

In a recent development, the notification for land acquisition for the first block section between Bargarh and Sarsara in Bargarh Tehsil has already been published. The notification covers five villages in Bargarh district, enabling the land acquisition process to move forward. Verification of land schedules for these five villages has been successfully completed by the District Authorities, ensuring a smooth and transparent process.

The land acquisition process is undertaken under the provisions of the Railway Amendment Act, and the 20A notification for the first block section has already been completed. This milestone is crucial to initiate physical construction activities on the ground.

Collaboration with Odisha Government

The Government of Odisha has extended full cooperation towards the successful execution of this project by:

• Providing land free of cost.
  
• Sanctioning a grant of ₹300 crore to support the railway project.
  
• Facilitating administrative support for land acquisition.
  

The coordinated effort between the Indian Railways, State Government, and District Authorities is ensuring smooth progress in land acquisition and paving the way for early completion of the railway line.

Strategic Benefits of the Project

The Bargarh Road-Nawapara Road Rail Line via Padampur will significantly reduce travel time and distance, benefiting both passengers and freight movement. Some of the key advantages of the project include:

• Reduction in travel distance: The new rail line will reduce travel distance by 53 km compared to the Sambalpur-Jharsuguda-Raipur route and by 87 km compared to the Sambalpur-Titilagarh-Raipur route.
  
• Boost to industrial growth: This line will facilitate faster transportation of coal, iron ore, steel, cement, agro-based industries and other industrial goods, benefiting industries in Bargarh, Jharsuguda, Raipur, and Titilagarh.
  
• Improved connectivity: The new line will provide direct connectivity between Western Odisha and Chhattisgarh, bypassing the heavily congested Jharsuguda-Bilaspur-Raipur corridor.
  
• Enhanced passenger convenience: The railway line will serve remote and underserved regions, enabling better access to education, healthcare, employment, and tourism opportunities.
  

Proposed Stations Along the Route

The project will feature 13 railway stations, including 11 new stations and 2 existing stations. The prominent stations along the alignment are _ Bargarh Road (Existing), Sarsara (New), Dumerpali (New), Bijepur (New), Badipali (New), Dhauramunda (New), Padampur (New), Bhagatpur (New), Majhipali (New), Paikmal Road (New), Bartunda (New), Anlajuba (New) and Nuapada Road (Existing) Station.

The establishment of these stations will not only improve local connectivity but also promote economic growth by connecting industrial hubs, business centers, and remote rural areas to mainstream transportation networks.

Upcoming Milestones in the Project

• Land acquisition notification for the first five villages has been published and verification of land schedules has been completed.
  
• The tender process for land acquisition is under finalization.
  
• Physical possession of land for the first block section is expected to begin shortly after the completion of legal formalities under the Railway Amendment Act.
  

Railways' Commitment Towards Timely Completion

The Indian Railways is committed to ensuring the timely completion of the Bargarh-Nawapara Road Rail Line, which will act as a catalyst for socio-economic development in the region. With continuous monitoring and collaboration with State Government and District Authorities, the project is steadily moving towards its targeted completion.

The Railways has also expedited the tender process and land acquisition work, ensuring that the physical construction begins without delay. The completion of this project will transform the region by boosting employment opportunities, industrial development, and improving rail connectivity for the people of Odisha.

The timely acquisition of land for the first block section between Bargarh and Sarsara signifies a major step forward in realizing this critical infrastructure project. Further land acquisition processes are also being expedited in other sections of the route to ensure the overall project is completed within the stipulated timeline.

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Read this release in: Odia