• MPs discuss rail infrastructure, passenger amenities and regional connectivity
• Focus on faster project execution, new lines and improved train services
Bhubaneswar October 30, 2026: The Divisional Committee Meeting of the Members of Parliament representing the Sambalpur Railway Division jurisdiction of East Coast Railway was held at Sambalpur today in the presence of senior railway officials, including General Manager, East Coast Railway, Shri Parmeshwar Funkwal. Hon’ble Members of Parliament from Odisha and Chhattisgarh attended the meeting and participated in detailed deliberations on railway development in the region.

The Members unanimously nominated Shri Sujit Kumar, MP, Rajyasabha, Kalahandi, as the Chairman of the Divisional Committee. The meeting was attended by Smt. Roop Kumari Choudhry, MP, Loksabha, Mahasamund and Shri Sukanta Kumar Panigrahi, MP, Loksabha, Kandhamal. Representative of MPs of Sambalpur, Bargarh, Balangir and Kalahandi also participated in the meeting.
The MPs appreciated the developmental initiatives undertaken by Sambalpur Railway Division and offered valuable suggestions for further strengthening railway infrastructure. Discussions focused on enhancement of passenger amenities, cleanliness of trains and stations, increased train frequency, new railway lines, improved connectivity to remote areas, development of road over and under bridges, timely completion of ongoing projects, train stoppages, and the need for greater revenue and employment generation in the region.

General Manager Shri Parmeshwar Funkwal welcomed the Hon’ble Members of Parliament and thanked them for their constructive input and guidance. He briefed the committee on the performance of East Coast Railway, progress of infrastructure projects, and continuous efforts being made to improve passenger services and meet regional freight transportation requirements.
The meeting was also attended by Divisional Railway Manager, Sambalpur, Principal Heads of Departments of East Coast Railway, and senior officers of Sambalpur Division.