Bhubaneswar: BJD MP Sasmit Patra on Monday urged the Centre to prioritise the development of southern Odisha by expediting key infrastructure projects. Raising the issue during zero hour in the Rajya Sabha, Patra said holistic growth of Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Rayagada, Koraput, Nabarangpur and Malkangiri districts hinges on strengthening railway links, national highways and air connectivity.
Patra sought faster execution of railway and highway projects across the seven districts, immediate commissioning of the Rangeilunda airport near Berhampur, and consistent operations at the Jeypore and Malkangiri airports, which currently face erratic schedules and cancellations. The MP also proposed exploring smaller airstrips in other districts to boost eco-tourism potential, stressing that southern Odisha’s development is critical to the state’s overall growth. He urged the Union govt to prioritise these projects without delay.
