Push Grows for Berhampur-Sambalpur Rail Via Phulbani

17 Jun 2025 CW Team

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.

Infrastructure Transport

16 Sep 2025

Metro Line 2B Phase 1 to Boost Realty in Mumbai’s Eastern Suburbs

Mumbai’s real estate sector is set for a major boost as Phase 1 of Metro Line 2B, between Mandale and Diamond Garden, nears completion. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has confirmed that mandatory rectifications are done, and inspections by the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) have been carried out. The 5.39-km stretch with five stations forms part of the larger DN Nagar–Mandale corridor, designed to ease congestion and improve east–west connectivity. Passenger operations are expected by December 2025, with the full line slated for 2027. ..

WattPower wins Best Inverter award at Global Solar Expo 2025

WattPower, a leading renewable energy solutions provider, has won the award for “Best Inverter in the Utility Segment” at the Global Solar Expo 2025. The recognition underscores the company’s commitment to delivering reliable, high-performance and future-ready solar solutions for large-scale projects. At the forefront of utility-scale solar, WattPower manufactures advanced string inverters that directly feed power into the Indian grid. With robust technology, high-quality components and comprehensive product lifecycle support, its solutions stand among the most sophisticated in the ..

Awfis delivers 67,000 sq. ft. innovation hub for eBay in Bengaluru

Awfis Space Solutions, India’s largest flexible workspace provider and the first publicly listed workspace solutions platform, has partnered with eBay to establish a 67,000 sq. ft. innovation hub at Embassy Tech Village, Bengaluru. The mandate covers design, build and management of the new office, which will act as a strategic hub supporting diverse functions and accelerating eBay’s AI-first commerce strategy. The centre will focus on artificial intelligence, engineering, product development and applied research, strengthening eBay’s growth in India. Embassy Tech Village, North Beng..