November 21 became a special day for President Draupadi Murmu’s village,
Rairangpur, as the people in this region received the gift of an express train
for the first time.
During her visit to Odisha, President Murmu flagged off three new trains
from Badampahar station. These trains are Shalimar-Badampahar-Shalimar Weekly
Express, Badampahar-Rourkela-Badampahar Weekly Express, and Tatanagar-Badampahar-Tatanagar
MEMU Service.
On this occasion, addressing the gathering, President Murmu said, “The
development of any area depends on the connectivity of that area. Be it rail,
roads or postal services – all these services make people’s lives easier.”
The President said three trains launched today will help locals
travelling to neighbouring States like Jharkhand and West Bengal. She added
that people will also not face any inconvenience in visiting Odisha’s
industrial town Rourkela.
President Murmu said despite the increasing trend of cell phones and
courier services, India Post has not lost its relevance. The inauguration of a
new Postal Division at Rairangpur is an important event for the region. She
expressed confidence that people of this area will now be able to avail of
postal services easily.
She said the Union Government is taking various initiatives for the
development of tribal communities. She noted that there is almost three times
increase in the current budget compared to the budget for the Financial Year
2013-14.
The President said, “Inclusive development is incomplete without the
development of tribal people. That is why the government is giving priority to
the development of tribal communities.”
Urging tribal youth to take advantage of the government’s schemes, she
emphasised that one’s effort is also necessary for self-development. Therefore,
youth should keep trying to move forward in their lives.
The President said the government has launched PM JANMAN (PM-Janjati
Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan) on the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas this year
for the development of PVTGs.
Terming this move as an important step towards the progress of tribal
brothers and sisters, President Murmu expressed confidence that this initiative
will connect people with development in this Amrit kaal and will also help in
achieving the goal of a developed India.
After the event, the President travelled in the Badampahar-Shalimar
Express from Badampahar to Rairangpur.
Notably, this is the first time that express train service has commenced
for the President’s village and this region. Train service in this area began
in 1911, but the locals had been eagerly awaiting express trains, a wait that
concluded today.
She also virtually inaugurated the new Rairangpur Postal Division;
released a Commemorative Special Cover of the Rairangpur Postal Division; and
laid the foundation stone for the redevelopment of Badampahar Railway station
on the occasion.
On this special day, speaking to ANI, Minister of Railways, Ashwini
Vaishnaw said, “This region is the centre of indigenous culture. Today, the
President inaugurated the services of three trains from Badampahar. Prime
Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to developing every region, especially
tribal areas, finds its synonymous fulfilment in this opportunity.”
“For 60-70 years, some people engaged in entitlement politics, believing
that the country is under their rule. Since the responsibility was entrusted to
Narendra Modi by the people in 2014, transformative changes have occurred.
Telecom towers are being installed in remote areas, post offices are
being opened and a revolutionary development is underway. This has instilled a
resolve and trust among the masses, marking a significant shift in the
socio-economic landscape,” Vaishnaw added.
ANI
