Bhubaneswar: East Coast Railway (ECOR) wants to get out of the MoU that has been signed with the Odisha government to develop the Bhubaneswar train station to a multi-capital hub, citing delays in the project by BHubaneswar Development Authority (BDA).
Instead, Ecor has suggested a revised pact so that it can complete the work associated with the station, stuck because of an agreement.
“I was directed to take the execution of the project train station parts to be executed by the train due to slow progress,” Ecor General Manager Vidya Bhushan wrote to the Chief Secretary of Sure Chandra Mohapatra on Wednesday.
This step emerged as a surprise given by Bhushan, after reviewing the progress of the project on July 23, it has emitted the belief that the work will begin within six months.
“After completing detailed project estimates, the tender will float,” he said.
On the possibility of the revised MoU, said Mohapatra, “the government will soon decide.” After the official approval of the government, they (trains) will be asked to develop the railroad area, the Secretary of the Chairperson added.
However, BDA authorities did not comment on the reasons behind delays.
Resources in the State Work Department said the project was delayed because the government was preoccupied with the Battle of Covid.
In addition, the Hub plan is part of the City City project, and the government has faced funding problems in its implementation, the source said.
The multi-capital hub is proposed to be developed again at the estimated cost of the crore rs 1075 with ECOR and BDA should share costs.
According to the MoU signed on September 19, 2019, BDA should run a complete project – two additional railways, new terminal buildings, city bus terminals, shopping complexes, restaurants, parking, and other facilities.
Reports and detailed project plans for construction have been carried out.