Berhampur: Several members of the South Odisha Railway Infrastructure Development Committee on Monday demonstrated in front of the Khurda Road divisional railway manager’s office, demanding development of the Berhampur railway station and construction of more railway lines in the region.The committee has demanded new railway lines from Gopalpur to Redhakhol, to Rayagada and to Talacher, construction of a coaching depot near Berhampur, a proposed wagon factory at Sitalapalli, more platforms in Berhampur station and introduction of new trains from Berhampur to Puri, New Delhi and Mumbai via Pune, among others.Saroj Ranjan Pattnaik, convener of the committee, claimed that if the Gopalpur-Redhakhol railway line is constructed, Kandhamal district and Bhanjanagar sub division in Ganjam district will come under railway network.The committee members have criticized the railways for sanctioning a meagre amount for the infrastructural development of Berhampur station and demanded more funds.The govt sanctioned Rs 93.19 crore for the redevelopment of the station in the first phase recently. The committee members alleged the amount was too low. “We want more passenger amenities,” Patnaik added.
