During the Rajya Sabha’s zero hour on Tuesday, Mujibullah Khan, a member of Odisha’s main opposition party Biju Janata Dal (BJD), brought up the pressing issue of rail connectivity. He highlighted the lack of train access in the undivided district of Kolhapur, Nabarangpur, emphasizing its tribal-majority status. Khan reminded the Rail Minister of the BJD's support during the Rajya Sabha elections and demanded that these regions be linked by rail, cautioning that if not, their entry would be obstructed.
Khan mentioned a 2016 MoU signed by then-Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for two rail lines: Jeypore to Nabarangpur and Jeypore to Malkangiri, which was facilitated by the then Rail Minister Suresh Prabhu. At that time, Odisha was represented only by BJP MP Jual Oram, with Dharmendra Pradhan also present. The MoU stated that the state government would cover the entire land acquisition and half of the construction costs for the Jeypore to Nabarangpur railway line.
He further elaborated that for the Jeypore to Malkangiri railway line, the state government was responsible for 25 percent of the total cost. From 2016 to now in 2026, there has been no progress. Khan expressed frustration over the delay, pointing out the distances of 38 to 40 kilometers to Nabarangpur and 138 to 140 kilometers to Malkangiri, questioning why it has taken years for such short distances. He remarked that people in Nabarangpur have never even glimpsed a railway line, asserting a high expectation during the previous BJD government and the promise of better infrastructure under a dual-engine government.
Khan remarked further that despite two years under a dual-engine government, no significant progress has been made. He expressed disappointment that the Rail Minister, who was appointed from their own party and not by the BJP, has not expedited the 40-kilometer railway project. Khan questioned the frequency of their demands to the Rail Minister, urging reflection.
Sulata Deo Raises Institutional Delivery Issue
Earlier, BJD’s Rajya Sabha MP Sulata Deo called on the government to take initiatives to ensure institutional delivery among tribal communities. Deo emphasized that many tribes like the PVTG Mankadia, Dongria, and Juang, prefer to remain in their ancestral mountainous homes. She commended leader Naveen Patnaik for special provisions for them. Sulata Deo demanded the government ensure necessary arrangements for institutional delivery and advocated for cooperation with Panchayats to raise medical awareness, helping bridge this service gap. She opposed the displacement of these communities, insisting they should be allowed to stay in their homeland.
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