+
Push Grows for Berhampur-Sambalpur Rail Via Phulbani
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

Push Grows for Berhampur-Sambalpur Rail Via Phulbani

A coalition of social organisations under the Milita Kriya Anusthan Committee has stepped up its campaign for the construction of a Berhampur–Sambalpur (Rairkhol) railway line via Bhanjanagar and Phulbani, aiming to improve rail connectivity in southern Odisha.

On Friday, the group launched a public awareness drive across Ganjam and Kandhamal districts, highlighting the urgent need for the proposed railway route. A "Vikash Rath" bus, carrying around 40 committee members, began its journey from the local railway station, stopping for public meetings in Hinjili, Aska, and Bhanjanagar, with a follow-up meeting planned for Phulbani on Saturday.

Bala Krushna Panda, a retired IAS officer and president of the committee, led the campaign, urging the government to begin immediate construction. “If the railway line is built, it will bring Kandhamal onto the railway map for the first time,” he said, underlining the historic neglect of the tribal-dominated district, which remains unconnected by rail even after 78 years of Independence.

Residents of Kandhamal and Bhanjanagar, located around 80 km from Berhampur, currently rely on Berhampur station for all train travel. The committee believes that integrating Kandhamal into the national railway network will be a turning point for the region’s economic and social development.

The campaign seeks to mobilise both public support and political will, advocating the project as a lifeline for underserved tribal communities and a catalyst for regional growth.

A coalition of social organisations under the Milita Kriya Anusthan Committee has stepped up its campaign for the construction of a Berhampur–Sambalpur (Rairkhol) railway line via Bhanjanagar and Phulbani, aiming to improve rail connectivity in southern Odisha.On Friday, the group launched a public awareness drive across Ganjam and Kandhamal districts, highlighting the urgent need for the proposed railway route. A Vikash Rath bus, carrying around 40 committee members, began its journey from the local railway station, stopping for public meetings in Hinjili, Aska, and Bhanjanagar, with a follow-up meeting planned for Phulbani on Saturday.Bala Krushna Panda, a retired IAS officer and president of the committee, led the campaign, urging the government to begin immediate construction. “If the railway line is built, it will bring Kandhamal onto the railway map for the first time,” he said, underlining the historic neglect of the tribal-dominated district, which remains unconnected by rail even after 78 years of Independence.Residents of Kandhamal and Bhanjanagar, located around 80 km from Berhampur, currently rely on Berhampur station for all train travel. The committee believes that integrating Kandhamal into the national railway network will be a turning point for the region’s economic and social development.The campaign seeks to mobilise both public support and political will, advocating the project as a lifeline for underserved tribal communities and a catalyst for regional growth.

Next Story
Real Estate

Heena Lalwani Buys Rs 1.13 Billion Juhu Apartment

Heena Lalwani, promoter of Aatman Innovations Private Limited, has purchased a luxury apartment worth Rs 1.13 billion in Mumbai’s upscale Juhu locality, according to property registration documents accessed by Zapkey.com.The 9,862 sq ft apartment, located on the 10th floor of Lodha Developers’ Avalon Tower, was acquired at Rs 115,000 per sq ft and comes with five car parking spaces. The deal, registered on 18 August 2025, also included the payment of Rs 68 million in stamp duty and a Rs 30,000 registration fee.Lodha Developers did not respond to queries regarding the transaction, while the..

Next Story
Real Estate

Godrej Buys KPHB Land for Rs 7 Billion in E-Auction

An acre of prime land in Kukatpally Housing Board (KPHB), Hyderabad, was auctioned for Rs 7 billion, with the Telangana Housing Board generating Rs 5.47 billion from the sale of 7.8 acres through e-auction on 20 August 2025.The auction notification was issued last month, attracting bids from Godrej Properties, Aurobindo Realty, Prestige Estates, and Ashoka Builders, according to Board vice-chairman V.P. Gautham. With an offset price of Rs 4 billion per acre, the three-hour auction saw 46 bid increases, before Godrej Properties acquired the land.Revenue generated from the auction will be utilis..

Next Story
Real Estate

HMDA to Auction 93 Prime Plots in September

The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) is preparing to conduct a three-day auction of prime open plots across Hyderabad, Rangareddy, and Medchal-Malkajgiri districts this September.According to official reports, the e-auction will take place on 17, 18, and 19 September, offering 93 plots. Of these, 70 are located in the Bachupally HMDA layout, with the remainder spread across Turkayamjal, Kokapet, Poppalguda, Chandanagar, Bairagiguda, Gandi Maisamma, Suraram, Medipally, and Bachupally village.The highest upset price has been fixed at Rs 175,000 per square yard for a land parce..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?