Bhubaneswar: Commerce and Transport Minister Padmanabha Behera today clarified that the allocation of Rs 9,734 crore in the Union Budget 2022-23 for the development of railways in Odisha includes the State’s share for several railway projects.
“The allocation of Rs 9000 odd crore also includes our State share. The estimation includes the State share given by us,” clarified Behera in his reaction on the allocation of funds in the Union Budget for development of railways in the State.
“We had much more expectations from the railway budget,” he added.
Senior Congress leader and Jeypore MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati has stated that Odisha has been completely neglected.
“It’s only figures but no work. Especially, a great injustice has been done to south Odisha. Not a single new train has been announced for us. The Rs 10,000 crore is of no use because it has to be spent,” commented Bahinipati.
On the other hand, BJP State unit president Samir Mohanty was of the opinion that no longer can BJD accuse the Centre of neglect.
“The State government had sought Rs 7600 crore but the Centre has allocated Rs 9,734 crore. This means while they had sought poori and dalma, the Centre has given boondi, rasagola and everything so there is no question of neglect,” stated Mohanty.
