In a significant step toward enhancing railway development in Odisha, the Khurda Road Division of East Coast Railway hosted a Divisional Committee Meeting today, bringing together prominent Members of Parliament (MPs) and top railway officials.
The gathering focused on reviewing ongoing projects, passenger services, and infrastructure upgrades, underscoring a collaborative push for improved rail connectivity in the region.
The meeting, held in Bhubaneswar, saw active participation from several Hon’ble MPs representing constituencies under the Khurda Road Division’s jurisdiction. In a unanimous decision, the MPs nominated Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab, MP from Cuttack, as the Chairman of the Divisional Committee.
Key attendees included Dr. Sambit Patra (MP/Puri), Sulata Deo (MP/Rajya Sabha), Subhasish Khuntia (MP/Rajya Sabha), Dr Pradeep Kumar Panigrahy (MP/Brahmapur), Ananta Nayak (MP/Keonjhar), Sukanta Kumar Panigrahi (MP/Kandhamal), Dr Rabindra Narayan Behera (MP/Jajpur), Avimanyu Sethi (MP/Bhadrak), Anita Subhadarshini (MP/Aska), and Debashish Samantaray (MP/Rajya Sabha). Senior railway officials, led by Parmeshwar Funkwal, General Manager of East Coast Railway, were also present.
During the discussions, the MPs provided valuable inputs on strengthening railway infrastructure, enhancing passenger amenities, and expanding connectivity. They praised the Khurda Road Division’s developmental efforts and emphasised the urgency of accelerating major projects, improving train services, and prioritising public convenience. The parliamentarians also lauded East Coast Railway’s ongoing initiatives in boosting regional connectivity, freight operations, and passenger services.
ECoR GM Parmeshwar Funkwal welcomed the MPs and expressed appreciation for their guidance. He presented an overview of East Coast Railway’s achievements in passenger services, safety measures, and infrastructure growth. Complementing this, Alok Tripathi, Khurda Road DRM, delivered a detailed presentation on the division’s operational performance, geographical coverage, and key initiatives aimed at efficiency and better service delivery.
Principal Heads of Departments from East Coast Railway and senior officers from Khurda Road Division attended the meeting, contributing to the productive dialogue.
This collaborative forum highlights the commitment of both elected representatives and railway authorities to drive progress in Odisha’s rail sector, ensuring benefits for passengers and the economy alike.
