Nabarangpur, Sept 16 [UDN}:The much-awaited Junagarh–Nabarangpur railway project continues to face delays, with the land acquisition process moving at different speeds in the two districts. While the process has progressed significantly in Nabarangpur district, it remains stuck at an earlier stage in Kalahandi, raising concerns among residents awaiting the long-promised railway connectivity.
The proposed railway line will stretch 116.21 km from Junagarh Road in Kalahandi district to Nabarangpur. The Central Government has sanctioned ₹2,865 crore for the project. To execute the railway line, approximately 376.64 hectares of private land will have to be acquired, while another 58.87 hectares of government land has been identified. In addition, permission will be required for the use of around 351.68 hectares of forest land.
The Central Government has appointed special land acquisition officers and supporting staff to undertake the acquisition process for the project.
According to the available information, land acquisition in Nabarangpur district had reached the Section 20-E stage by June 2. The process is continuing in several villages under Papadahandi tehsil, including Aunli, Bankasaragi, Chandanpala, Dhansuli, Dokribera, Gadabakatara, Hirli and Jharkusumi.
However, the situation is considerably slower in Kalahandi district. As of March 20, the land acquisition process there had only reached the Section 20-A notification stage. This difference in progress between the two districts has become a major concern for people who have been waiting for the railway project for years.
Three teams have reportedly been engaged in the land acquisition process in Kalahandi, while another three teams are working in Nabarangpur. Although funds have reportedly been earmarked for acquiring private land, the compensation-related process has not yet been fully finalised in several cases, leaving affected landowners waiting for payment.
The ongoing monsoon and heavy rainfall have also affected field-level land acquisition activities, further slowing down the process. While Nabarangpur has shown greater urgency in completing the required formalities, the delay in Kalahandi has triggered disappointment among local residents.
People in both districts have expressed concern over the uncertainty surrounding the completion of land acquisition and the subsequent construction of the railway line. The project is considered crucial for improving connectivity, facilitating movement of passengers and goods, and supporting economic development in the backward and tribal-dominated regions of southern Odisha.
With Nabarangpur moving ahead while Kalahandi remains behind, there is growing demand for the Odisha Government to intervene and coordinate with the concerned authorities to expedite land acquisition in Kalahandi. Residents hope that the pending formalities will be completed quickly so that construction of the long-awaited Junagarh–Nabarangpur railway line can begin without further delay.
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