Nayagarh: (Report- Ramakrushna Rath): Members of the Balunkeswar Railway Sangram Samiti have issued a fresh warning to railway authorities. They state they will take the law into their own hands and block tracks if a passenger halt is not constructed at Champatipur soon.
For the past eight years, the committee has been campaigning for a railway station in this region. Despite submitting 10,000 signatures and organizing several road and rail blockades, their demands remain unfulfilled. 
Champatipur Residents Threaten Rail Blockade Over Passenger Halt Demand


Recent Action by the Committee

On December 16, 2025, a delegation led by committee president Manoj Kumar Sahu and secretary Niranjan Sathua met with top officials. They submitted a formal memorandum to:
  • The Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of East Coast Railway, Khurda Road.
  • The General Manager (GM) of East Coast Railway, Bhubaneswar.
The group included prominent members such as Umesh Chandra Patnaik, Gangadhar Nishanka, and Sharat Chandra Bai. They made it clear that they would resume "Rail Roko" (train strike) protests if the administration continues to ignore them.

Why the Halt is Necessary

The committee highlighted that a passenger halt at Champatipur would benefit residents of several Gram Panchayats, including: 
  • Itamati and Champatipur
  • Pandusar and Lathipada
  • Natugaon and Sajanapada
  • Gunthuni and Ranipada
  • Salajharia, Gadadharprasad, and Saradhapur

Impact on Daily Life

Currently, trains pass through the area, but locals cannot use them. A new station would help the community in several ways:
  • Religious Travel: Devotees could easily travel to Puri for festivals, Kartika Brata, and other rituals.
  • Education: Students could travel to different cities to attend competitive exams.
  • Economy: Local businessmen could transport goods and travel for trade more efficiently.
The residents expressed deep frustration, noting that while the railway tracks run through their land, they are still deprived of basic rail services.