The has sought Rs 7,600 crore in theUnion Budgetfor the development of rail Infrastructure with emphasis on strengthening rail connectivity to various Ports, mining belts and tribal-dominated districts.
Official sources said the demand include fund for various on-going projects, sanctioning of new lines, station modernisation, introduction of new trains, extension of existing trains, improved passenger amenities at stations, on-board Services, establishment of rail-based industries and multi-modal Logistics parks.
Major port connectivity projects for which fund has been sought in the annual budget include Rs 100 crore forJajpur Keonjhar Road-Dhamra Portvia Jajpur and Aradi (95 km), Rs 300 crore forTalcher-Gopalpurrail link, Rs 50 crore for Paradip-Dhamra rail link and Rs 200 crore for Gopalpur-Sambalpur link.
As creation of rail infrastructure is the responsibility of the Centre, the official said the government has already partnered with Indian Railways to fill the viability gap wherever it has been asked for.