Bhubaneswar: Former Union Minister and senior BJP leader Dilip Ray met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi today, discussing three key developmental issues affecting Rourkela and Odisha.
The leader submitted a formal letter outlining these concerns, which include the establishment of a new railway division at Rourkela under East Coast Railway.
Rourkela and its surrounding districts generate significant railway revenue, yet the region lacks adequate infrastructure and passenger services. The leader urged the Prime Minister to create a dedicated railway division, ensuring better administration, improved connectivity, and balanced development for Odisha’s mineral belt.
The leader also discussed the long-pending expansion plan of the Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) under SAIL, which has been stalled due to land acquisition challenges. With the BJP-led government in Odisha, the leader emphasized the need for resolution to double the plant’s capacity, create thousands of jobs, and strengthen India’s self-reliance in steel production.
Furthermore, the leader highlighted the need for upgradation and expansion of Rourkela Airport, which currently lacks full functionality despite being a major industrial, educational, and sporting city. The proposed upgrades include extending the runway, installing night landing facilities, and bringing in more airline operators to ensure reliable air connectivity. The leader also requested the urgent transfer of airport ownership from SAIL to AAI for better management and long-term development.
Prime Minister Modi assured that these concerns would be looked into at the highest level. The leader expressed optimism that Rourkela will soon see transformative changes, thanks to the Prime Minister’s commitment to India’s development
