7 months ago
Activist Protests for Odisha Rail Link
A retired radio station head named Gouro Chandro Tripathy held a protest in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, to demand better railway connections for two tribal districts, Nabarangpur and Malkangiri.
He says these areas have been neglected for over 75 years and still lack basic train services.
Tripathy formed an organization to fight for the rights of tribal people in these districts.
He planned a three-day protest but had to stop early due to health issues and interference.
He sent a letter to the Prime Minister, pointing out that while other regions get advanced train services, these districts still rely on bullock carts.
He wants the government to fund and complete the promised railway projects quickly.
Gouro Chandro Tripathy, a retired All India Radio station head, protested in Bhubaneswar demanding railway connectivity for Odisha's Nabarangpur and Malkangiri districts.
Tripathy formed the Dandakaranya Vikasha Mahamancha to advocate for tribal rights in four districts, including Nabarangpur and Malkangiri.
He planned a three-day protest but had to stop early due to health issues and interference from unknown elements and Railway Protection Force officials.
Tripathy criticized the government for not expediting land acquisition and funding for the proposed Jeypore–Malkangiri and Jeypore–Nabarangpur railway lines.
He sent a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting the disparity in railway infrastructure between advanced regions and the neglected tribal districts.
- Who
- Gouro Chandro Tripathy, a retired All India Radio station head and activist
- What
- A protest demanding railway connectivity for Odisha's Nabarangpur and Malkangiri districts
- Where
- In front of the Rail Sadan in Bhubaneswar, Odisha
- When
- On the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, coinciding with the protest
- Why
- To highlight the lack of basic railway infrastructure in tribal-dominated districts and the government's failure to fulfill promises
Key facts
- Activist
- Gouro Chandro Tripathy
- Location
- Bhubaneswar, Odisha
- Districts
- Nabarangpur and Malkangiri
- Organization
- Dandakaranya Vikasha Mahamancha
- Railway Line
- Jeypore–Malkangiri and Jeypore–Nabarangpur
- Railway Minister
- Ashwini Vaishnaw
- Prime Minister
- Narendra Modi
Quotes
Gouro Chandro Tripathy
Former station head of All India Radio Jeypore and activist for tribal rights in Odisha.
“In the letter, I raised the issue that while advanced regions of the country are promised bullet trains and world-class rail infrastructure, citizens of these two districts are still dependent upon bullock carts for the movement of goods and amenities and for commuting purposes too. This contrast symbolises the widening development gap between aspirational rhetoric and ground realities in backward regions.”
telegraphindia.com
“I am a hypertension and thyroid patient. I had put up a tent to launch the three-day satyagraha. But some unscrupulous elements threw away the tent. I don’t know who they were. Now, Railway Protection Force officials took away my banner. I sat today. But I will continue to fight and raise the issue.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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