Parmeshwar Funkwal, General Manager of East Coast Railway (ECoR), called on Anu Garg, IAS, Chief Secretary of Odisha, on Wednesday for wide-ranging talks aimed at accelerating railway infrastructure development across the state.
During the meeting, the General Manager highlighted common bottlenecks that often delay large-scale railway projects and stressed the need for their swift resolution. Key issues raised included land acquisition, forest and environmental clearances, removal of encroachments, shifting of utilities, and disposal of long-pending court cases.
Funkwal also emphasised the importance of close coordination between railway authorities, state departments, and district administrations, particularly for the smooth construction of Road Over Bridges (ROBs) and related infrastructure.
Acknowledging the consistent support extended by the Odisha government, the ECoR GM expressed optimism that continued cooperation would enable faster implementation of ongoing projects and timely commencement of new initiatives.
He further pointed out that prompt policy decisions, operational guidelines, availability of construction resources, and expeditious statutory approvals are critical to meeting project deadlines and avoiding cost overruns.
In response, Chief Secretary Garg assured that all concerns raised would be examined in consultation with relevant departments and district administrations. She reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to providing all necessary support to resolve pending issues and ensure the timely completion of railway projects, which are vital for enhancing connectivity and driving economic growth in Odisha.
The meeting underscores the growing synergy between Indian Railways and the Odisha government in pushing forward critical infrastructure that will benefit passengers, industry, and overall development in the state.
