Bhubaneswar, 18/5: Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik today suggested several new projects for Odisha including two new Vandey Bharat Trains during the launching of Vandey Bharat Express from Puri to Kolkata, and sought the support of the Prime Minister for early implementation of the same.
Praising the Prime Minister for launching of several railway projects in Odisha, the Chief Minister thanked the PM and said that ‘I would take this opportunity to request Hon’ble Prime Minister for introduction of a Vande Bharat Express train between Puri and Rourkela connecting Sambalpur and another connecting Bhubaneswar and Hyderabad which will facilitate faster movement of passengers between these important cities, for the benefit of our aspiring people.’
Saying that the state govt is developing Puri as an international heritage centre, he said that Puri is the first city in India to have 100 percent drink from tap facility.
Regarding Puri airport, he said that ‘Recently, I had met the Hon’ble Prime Minister and had a detailed discussion on the proposed Shree Jagannath Puri International Airport at Puri. We will incorporate all the suggestions given by the Hon’ble Prime Minister for making it a world class sea-side Airport. He hoped that with the cooperation and support of the PM, this airport will be ready within 3 to 4 years, and Hon’ble Prime Minister will come to Shreekhetra to dedicate the Shree Jagannath Puri International Airport.’
Further, he also requested sanctioning of Puri-Konark new railway line which will connect two iconic marvels of our state. State of Odisha offers 50 percent of construction cost and entire land cost for the project, making it extremely profitable for Railways, he informed.
He further said that Odisha has always been very proactive in supporting railway projects in the state. People of the state have also willingly pledged their invaluable land for the railway development, hoping that railway projects will offer them many new economic avenues.
The CM also requested for early introduction of passenger services in both Angul-Sukinda line and Haridaspur-Paradip line to meet the aspirations of the people of these districts.
Hoping that the Bullet train dream will soon be realised, he said that introduction of Vande Bharat train is one step closer towards our aspiration of Bullet trains in India. He added, ‘I am sure, with your leadership, we should soon have our own Bullet trains’.
The Chief minister expressed gratitude to the PM for the new projects.