Venkat Raman Pradhan Baragada

BaragadaMP Pradeep Purohit met with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to submit a memorandum advocating for comprehensive railway development in Baragada and Jharsuguda districts. The proposal urges accelerated timelines for pending infrastructure projects, enhanced passenger amenities, and the introduction of new train services. Purohit urged the Railway Ministry to ensure the punctual operation of the frequently delayed Ispat Express. He also called for improved rail connectivity and better passenger amenities at Brajarajnagar, highlighting its importance as a key Western Odisha industrial hub.

The MP demanded additional stoppages for several long-distance trains at Brajarajnagar, Jharsuguda, Barpali, and Attabira stations, while also requesting the restoration of previously discontinued halts. Purohit proposed the introduction of new train services. They are: Bilaspur–Puri Express; Titlagarh/Balangir–Bhubaneswar Vande Bharat Express; Jharsuguda–Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Express and a coach connecting Baragada/Balangir with Bhubaneswar. He also requested extending the Gondwana Express to Sambalpur, extending the Jan Shatabdi Express to Jharsuguda or Raurkela, and converting the Hirakud Express to a daily service.

Purohit also urged the upgrading of passenger amenities at Brajarajnagar railway station, calling for improved toilets, digital display boards, coach guidance systems, public announcements, and enhanced lighting. Additionally, he pressed for the timely completion of development works at Belpahar railway station under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. The MP urged the speedy implementation of the long-pending Baragada–Nuapada railway project, calling it crucial for western Odisha’s connectivity and economic growth. He requested that the Railway Minister expedite these proposals to address the region’s rising transportation needs and development goals.