Bhubaneswar: The Centre has notified a new broad-gauge line linking Tikiri station to Kutrumali and Sijimali bauxite mines, owned by the Adani and Vedanta groups, respectively.While Adani Group’s wholly owned subsidiary, Kalinga Alumina, has proposed opencast mechanised mining on 701.79 hectares in Kutrumali, Vedanta is supposed to take up bauxite mining on 1,549 hectares in Sijimali. This railway line will help the companies to transport bauxite from the two hills.Official sources said this project will be different from other ones. “The railway line will be constructed without any delay. Here, the railways will acquire land, complete the process on a war footing and start construction of the railway line,” said a senior railway official.Though the detailed project report is yet to be prepared, the distance of the railway line will be around 55 km. This project will be constructed in public-private partnership. Adani and Vedanta will invest in the project to transport bauxite from Sijimali hill and the nearby Kutrumali hill, said an official source.The development comes in the backdrop of recent violence in Sijimali over villagers’ protest against a proposed road to the mining site. On April 7, villagers of Kantamal and nearby localities in Rayagada district had a face-off with police while the latter were protecting the crew involved in road construction work. More than 70 people, including 58 police personnel, were injured in the clash.Activist Prafulla Samantara said the state govt and Centre are in no mood to listen to the pleas of villagers who are against mining and destruction of the environment. “The notification issued for the railway project proves this,” Samantara said.Revenue minister Suresh Pujari said the development of the state and region cannot happen if people do not show interest in providing land for this purpose. “Govt is reviewing and analysing the land acquisition-related issues faced by the tribals. If people protest against industry, mining, railway and highway projects, how will development happen in the state?” Pujari asked.
