Regarding need to expedite approval and execution of proposed Banspani-Barbil Railway Line Project in Keonjhar Parliamentary Constituency, Odisha-Laid

Regarding need to expedite approval and execution of proposed Banspani-Barbil Railway Line Project in Keonjhar Parliamentary Constituency, Odisha-Laid SHRI ANANTA NAYAK (KEONJHAR): Joda Banspani railway station is an important railhead located on the Padapahar Junction?Jakhapura section of Indian Railways, and regular trains such as the Barbil?Puri Express pass through this station. However, despite close geographic proximity, there is no direct rail connectivity between Banspani (Joda region) and Barbil station at present. Passengers travelling between these two important locations are compelled to take a long detour via Danguapasi section in Jharkhand, which adds approximately 60?70 km of extra distance, resulting in avoidable delay, inconvenience, and higher travel cost. This circuitous routing also limits the efficiency of passenger movement and mineral transportation in the region. In view of the above, a new Banspani?Barbil railway line (approx. 17 km) has been proposed and included in the principal project list of Indian Railways through Odisha Rail Infrastructure Development Ltd. (ORIDL). Early approval and execution of this project will significantly improve regional connectivity, passenger convenience, and economic development of the Joda?Barbil mining belt.