Locals Demand Extension Of Bhubaneswar-Palasa Memu Train To Paralakhemundi

Berhampur: In order to improve communication facilities between Pralakhemundi and Bhubaneswar, extension of Bhubaneswar-Palasa Memu to the town in Gajapati district has been demanded.

Apanna Parichha Smruti Sansad (APSS), which is spearheading movement for the heritage status and development of railway network in Paralakhemundi, has submitted separate memorandum to the Divisional Commercial Managers of East Coast Railway (EcoR) Khurda Road Division and Waltair Division in this regard.

Besides the extension of the train, the APSS has demanded augmentation of AC and Sleeper coaches in Gunupur-Visakhapatnam Express and commission agent tickets for Sitapuram to Palsing stations.

As Paralakhemundi station generate highest revenue of Rs 3 to 4 lakh per day and Rs 90 to 95 per month in an average from just four pairs of trains, which is the highest in the single line section of Naupada-Gunupur, it needs more facilities for the passengers, said Muralidhar Parichha, APSS secretary.

He further said since Bhubaneswar-Palasa Memu is halting at Palasa for more than six hours from 12-30 am to 7 am, it can be extended to Paralakhemundi without affecting the present timing of the train.

“As Paralakhemundi is the district headquarters of tribal dominated Gajapati and thousands of passengers depend on this railway station on daily basis with other trains running on its maximum occupancy, one train directly to the state capital would further check the passengers’s rush in Naupada Gunupur section,” he said.

On other demands, he said augmentation of AC and Sleeper coaches in Gunupur-Visakhapatnam Express is highly needed as the passengers are facing hardships due to hot summer and scorching heat during the long journey.

On Railway Ticket Commission Agents, the Sansad secretary said as the Commission Agents are running 45 to 90 kms distance upto Naupada Junction to buy tickets for Sitapuram, Hadubhangi, Bansadhara, Kasinagar, Lihuri and Palsing (all under Gajapati district), it is a wastage of their valuable time.

Paralakhemundi Railway Station is nearer than Naupada Junction for the Commission Agents. If the tickets for the Commission Agents would be available in Paralakhemundi, these agents can save more time and it would subsequently help the passengers to buy tickets in time, he argued.