+
Khurda-Balangir rail project hits forest land diversion hurdle
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

Khurda-Balangir rail project hits forest land diversion hurdle

The diversion of forest land is now a major obstacle in the construction work of the Khurda Road-Balangir new line project of 289 km which links western Odisha to the coastal part of Odisha.

Out of the forest land of 1,844 acres required for the project, diversion of only 170 acres has been done so far.

On Wednesday Railway minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw told the media that this project includes the acquisition of 6,162 acres of land along with a diversion of 1,844 acres of forest land. Out of which, 5,333 acres of land is acquired while forest land diversion of only 170 acres is completed to date. The state government needs to acquire land of 829 acres and take steps for the diversion of forest land of 1,674 acres, he added.

The Odisha government entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Railway Ministry to provide land free of cost for the Jeypore-Nabarangpur new line and the Khurda Road-Balangir new line. It is among the oldest projects that have been sanctioned in 1994-95.

Currently out of the total work 92 km has been commissioned; Khurda Road to Mahipur of 77 km and Balangir to Bichupalli of 15 km.

The total estimated cost for the project stands at Rs 3,792 crore. Alongside the free land, the government of Odisha will share 50% of the project cost from 112 km to 289 km. Up to March 2021, an expenditure of Rs 1,497 crore is incurred on the project. Around Rs 1,000.5 crore outlay has also been provided in the fiscal year 2021-22.

Image Source

Also read: Odisha govt to upgrade 253 slums in urban forest land

The diversion of forest land is now a major obstacle in the construction work of the Khurda Road-Balangir new line project of 289 km which links western Odisha to the coastal part of Odisha. Out of the forest land of 1,844 acres required for the project, diversion of only 170 acres has been done so far. On Wednesday Railway minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw told the media that this project includes the acquisition of 6,162 acres of land along with a diversion of 1,844 acres of forest land. Out of which, 5,333 acres of land is acquired while forest land diversion of only 170 acres is completed to date. The state government needs to acquire land of 829 acres and take steps for the diversion of forest land of 1,674 acres, he added. The Odisha government entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Railway Ministry to provide land free of cost for the Jeypore-Nabarangpur new line and the Khurda Road-Balangir new line. It is among the oldest projects that have been sanctioned in 1994-95. Currently out of the total work 92 km has been commissioned; Khurda Road to Mahipur of 77 km and Balangir to Bichupalli of 15 km. The total estimated cost for the project stands at Rs 3,792 crore. Alongside the free land, the government of Odisha will share 50% of the project cost from 112 km to 289 km. Up to March 2021, an expenditure of Rs 1,497 crore is incurred on the project. Around Rs 1,000.5 crore outlay has also been provided in the fiscal year 2021-22. Image Source Also read: Odisha govt to upgrade 253 slums in urban forest land

Next Story
Technology

Six ways a smarter workflow leads to faster, more accurate bids

In today’s fast-paced civil construction environment, estimators need more than just solid numbers. They need smart, streamlined processes. This article explores six key ways connected workflows can transform the estimated approach, help in minimising risk, move faster, and improve accuracy. By integrating tools, data, and teams, one can produce stronger bids with less rework, fewer surprises, and more confidence. As an estimator, the job goes beyond producing numbers. They are responsible for delivering bids that are fast, accurate, and built to win. In today’s civil construction ind..

Next Story
Real Estate

Experion Launches Women-Only Co-Living Project in Greater Noida

Experion, part of Singapore-based AT Capital Group, has launched its first co-living space under its managed rental housing brand, VLIV, in Greater Noida. The all-women residence features 730 twin-sharing beds with a strong focus on safety, comfort, and well-being. VLIV has committed a $300 million investment to create a structured, service-led rental housing ecosystem in India. The brand aims to scale up to 20,000 beds in the next few years, with a long-term target of 100,000 beds nationwide. “India’s rental housing is fragmented. VLIV is our way of building long-term, dependabl..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Officine Maccaferri Acquires CPT to Bolster Tunnelling Tech

Ambienta’s platform company, Officine Maccaferri S.p.A., has acquired CPT Group, a leading Italian developer of robotic prefabrication systems and digital control technologies for mechanised tunnelling. The move positions Maccaferri as a global player in integrated tunnelling solutions, blending traditional and advanced mechanised systems. Based in Nova Milanese, CPT serves major global contractors across Europe, Southeast Asia, and Australia. The company offers robotic prefabrication (Robofactory), productivity-monitoring software for Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), and eco-designed spa..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?