Bhubaneswar Railway Station Faces Parking Crisis Amid Rising Fees
Rabindra Sahu news
Bhubaneswar Railway Station Faces Parking Crisis Amid Rising Fees

Bhubaneswar: Parking at Bhubaneswar Railway Station has become a nightmare for commuters. Under the open sky, cars, bikes, and bicycles are left exposed—sun fades the paint, and rainwater seeps into helmets. The neglected environment attracts poisonous creatures, some even found inside vehicles. There are frequent complaints of helmets and vehicle parts being stolen. Despite these issues, parking fees have skyrocketed—increased by up to eight times, causing inconvenience to travelers.

If someone parks a two-wheeler for five days, they have to pay around ₹500, along with 18% GST. Many commuters have voiced strong dissatisfaction, questioning the steep hike in parking fees despite zero infrastructure improvements—no proper surface, no shelter, and no security. Several complaints have reached the railway authorities regarding this.

Thousands of vehicles are parked every day at the East Coast Railway’s two-wheeler and four-wheeler parking areas in front of Bhubaneswar Station. Previously, the daily charge was ₹12 for two-wheelers and ₹5 for bicycles. However, under the new tender issued this month, both car and bike parking charges have been significantly increased.

“Paying High Fees for Open-Sky Parking,” Say Commuters

Commuter Punyashlok Mishra, traveling to Balangir, expressed frustration:
“Vehicles are left under the blazing sun, rain, and dust—paint is damaged, trees are gone, and cleanliness is nonexistent. We are forced to park in a messy, unorganized area with open access on all sides. If parking fees are raised, there must be modern infrastructure provided in return.”

Other train passengers also said that such steep hikes mainly affect middle- and lower-income passengers. Many from poor backgrounds, who rely on trains for their livelihood and earn ₹5,000–₹7,000 per month, find it unfair to spend ₹2,000 just on parking.

Railway Officials Respond

Staff responsible for the parking area said that from the 13th of this month, the new rates have come into effect as per the Railways’ decision. Bhubaneswar railway authorities clarified:
“We are not the ones who decide the parking rates. These are fixed by the Ministry of Railways based on e-tendering through the Railway Department’s e-portal.”

However, if parking charges are raised without proper infrastructure, appropriate action will be taken, they assured.

Odisha Abhibhabak Mahasangh Delegation Submits Memorandum to Bargarh Education Office
Rabindra Sahu news
Odisha Abhibhabak Mahasangh Delegation Submits Memorandum to Bargarh Education Office

Bargarh: Today, a delegation from the Odisha Abhibhabak Mahasangh (Odisha Parents’ Federation), Bargarh district unit, visited the office of the District Education Officer (DEO) and submitted a memorandum raising several concerns.

The delegation highlighted serious issues regarding:

Widespread irregularities and corruption in the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) scheme at C-Met Nagar High School in Bargarh.

The illegal operation of Rainbow Public School, a private educational institution in Bargarh town, which is allegedly functioning without proper government recognition or approval.

Due to the absence of the DEO, the memorandum was handed over to the Assistant District Education Officer, with a demand for immediate and appropriate action.

Present during the occasion were:

Vimal Kumar Dash (President of the Mahasangh)

Balmiki Shadanghi

Pintu Satpathy

Kamal Sarap

Nabh Chauhan

Umakant Panigrahi

Sushant Sahu

Brundaban Behera

Chhatu Panigrahi, among others.

Vedanta Aluminium Recognizes Top Students in Project Vidyagraha, Jharsuguda
Rabindra Sahu news
Vedanta Aluminium Recognizes Top Students in Project Vidyagraha, Jharsuguda

Jharsuguda:  India’s largest aluminium producer, Vedanta Aluminium, has played a pivotal role in enhancing the overall academic performance of students in Jharsuguda this year through its Project Vidyagraha digital learning initiative.

In the Annual High School Certificate Examination, Jharsuguda district secured the third position among 30 districts of Odisha with the highest pass percentage of 97.87%, with 33 students scoring A1 grades. Among them, 26 students were enrolled under Project Vidyagraha, a unique digital education initiative by Vedanta Aluminium, which is revolutionizing community access to quality education.

In a felicitation ceremony, Hon’ble MLA of Jharsuguda, Shri Tankadhar Tripathi, and District Education Officer Radhakant Gartia were present to honour the achievers.

Speaking about the impact of this initiative, Sunil Gupta, COO of Vedanta Aluminium, stated,
“At Vedanta, we believe that quality education is fundamental to the long-term development of our communities. Project Vidyagraha is designed to facilitate innovative learning and developmental pathways, contributing significantly to the academic growth of students.”

Central Team Reports Contaminated Water and Food Behind Diarrhea Outbreak
Rabindra Sahu news
Central Team Reports Contaminated Water and Food Behind Diarrhea Outbreak

Bhubaneswar:  The cause behind the widespread outbreak of diarrhea in multiple districts has come to light. A central team that visited the affected areas has discussed the issue with the state government and identified contaminated water and food as the primary reasons for the outbreak.

The central team has suggested immediate preventive measures to control the situation. They recommended identifying and purifying the source of water, and advised people to boil and cool water before drinking.

Specialist teams will be sent today to Cuttack, Jajpur, and Bhadrak to assist in controlling the outbreak.

State Health Secretary has taken note of the central team’s feedback and suggestions.

Nabarangpur Holds Awareness Program on Preventing Drug Abuse and Trafficking
Rabindra Sahu news
Nabarangpur Holds Awareness Program on Preventing Drug Abuse and Trafficking

Nabarangpur Under the supervision of the State Government’s Excise Department, a statewide awareness campaign is being conducted from May 31 (World No Tobacco Day) to June 26 (International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking).

As part of this campaign, an awareness program on prevention of drug abuse and illicit trafficking has also been organized in Nabarangpur. Various awareness activities were carried out at Nabarangpur town bus stand, main roads, Dandasahi, and Gadabaguda.

During the campaign, Excise Inspector Mr. Dilip Kumar and his team, along with Anganwadi workers, went door-to-door spreading awareness about the dangers of drug consumption and illegal trafficking.

Special efforts are being made in rural areas, where awareness raths (mobile vans) are moving through villages. Additionally, the message is being conveyed through traditional folk performances like Pala, Dasakathia, Ghoda Nacha (horse dance), and street plays, ensuring that the campaign reaches every household effectively.

Youth Unite at Mandei Padia Gathering in Nabarangpur
Rabindra Sahu news
Youth Unite at Mandei Padia Gathering in Nabarangpur

Nabarangpur  Today, at the new Mandei Padia, a Youth Convention was organized under the Utkarsh Mela 2025. The event was conducted by Samagra Shiksha, Nabarangpur, and the District Skill Development Department.

As part of the program, informational videos were presented on the themes of “Nipun Odisha” and various government development schemes from different departments.

Suraj Kumar Patra, a Cluster Resource Centre Coordinator (CRCC) from Nandahandi, provided insights and shared government information related to Nipun Odisha.

Present at the event were:

District Education Officer (DEO) Chhatrapati Sahu

DIPRO Manoj Kumar Behera

Additional District Education Officers

10 Cluster Coordinators

CRCCs, teachers (both male and female)

All staff from the District Samagra Shiksha Office

Students from 11 Eklavya Residential Schools

Students from Model Degree College and Polytechnic College

The event also featured a presentation of the Education Department’s achievements over the past year.

Additionally, Anand Palai, District Employment and Skill Development Officer, provided a detailed presentation on steps taken in the fields of employment and skill development.

The event served as a platform for awareness, learning, and showcasing progress across multiple educational and skill-oriented domains.

Kotpad’s Traffic Signals Lie Defunct for 3 Years, Raise Safety Concerns
Rabindra Sahu news
Kotpad’s Traffic Signals Lie Defunct for 3 Years, Raise Safety Concerns

Kotpad,: To regulate traffic in the Kotpad NAC area, the then NAC administration installed two traffic signal lights three years ago—one at Gandhi Square and the other near Biju Patnaik Square. However, the unfortunate reality is that these lights have never functioned, not even for a single day.

Despite being purchased with lakhs of rupees from public funds, both traffic signal lights now lie damaged and leaning against their poles, raising fears that they may collapse and cause accidents at any time. The equipment at Gandhi Square and Biju Patnaik Square is deteriorating rapidly.

Repeated complaints have been made to the concerned departmental officials, but no action has been taken. This continued inaction by the NAC has led to growing public dissatisfaction. Even the elected representatives of the council have remained silent, despite the fact that these high-cost signals were installed using taxpayers’ money.

Expressing frustration, the residents of Kotpad have demanded immediate restoration. Representatives from the Kotpad Chamber of Commerce — including legal advisor Pankaj Kumar Patra, Mukteswar Nayak, President Ganesh Chandra Panda, Secretary B. Shankar Rao, Sukanta Mishra, and Biswanath Behera — met with the new Executive Officer and formally requested him to take action.

In response, the Executive Officer has assured that the issue will be examined and necessary steps will be taken promptly.

Kotpad Faces Crisis as Drainage System Fails Before Monsoon
Rabindra Sahu news
Kotpad Faces Crisis as Drainage System Fails Before Monsoon

Kotpad: Before the onset of the monsoon, the drainage system in Ward No. 10 of Kotpad NAC has completely collapsed. Due to poor drainage from the Mill Sahi area, wastewater is entering the Anganwadi Centre, creating an unsanitary environment.

Although there have been some improvements in drainage after the appointment of a new Executive Officer, the unhealthy conditions at Mill Sahi’s Anganwadi Centre have raised concerns of children falling ill. With diarrheal diseases like cholera and dysentery spreading across most districts of the state, such a situation in Kotpad’s Ward 10 is posing a serious public health risk, say local residents.

In many areas, burst pipes are spilling water onto the roads, and repairs have not been carried out for several days. Particularly in Mangali Sahi, water leakage from broken pipes is clearly visible. Due to the lack of pipe repairs, residents are being forced to consume contaminated water.

As the drainage system across the town remains unimproved, even a light rainfall is causing water to seep into Anganwadi centres, schools, and low-lying houses in several neighborhoods, adding to the daily hardships of the residents.

The most pressing concern is the lack of coordination between elected public representatives, the drainage department, and officials, which is believed to be the root cause of the deteriorating condition in this ward. This has become a topic of public discussion and growing discontent.

People have demanded that the NAC Executive Officer and Public Health Department officials immediately take notice and implement urgent corrective measures.

Badasilinga Panchayat Residents Raise Voice for Basic Amenities
Rabindra Sahu news
Badasilinga Panchayat Residents Raise Voice for Basic Amenities

Gania:  The residents of Badasilinga Panchayat are suffering from numerous basic problems. In protest, over 100 villagers from the panchayat held a dharna (sit-in demonstration) in front of the block office from May 6 to May 8.

Their demands included:

Construction of pucca (concrete) roads to various villages

Electricity connections

Appointment of ASHA and Anganwadi workers

Installation of a mobile tower

Drinking water facilities

Provision of kenduleaf sheds, ponds, community halls, Swachh Bharat toilets, housing under government schemes, and land title deeds for forest land

Irrigation facilities for farmland

Arrangement of an ambulance service

They also demanded a vigilance inquiry into the mud roads constructed in various villages under the Forest Department and sought the transfer of the Forest Range Officer.

At that time, administrative officials visited the protest site and assured the villagers that a meeting would be held within 20 days. However, more than a month has passed, and no action has been taken.

As a result, the Vice President of the Bharatiya Bikash Parishad, Niranjan Das, stated that the villagers would stage another dharna in front of the block office soon if their demands are not met.

Brahmapur Pays Tribute on Death Anniversary of Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das
Rabindra Sahu news
Brahmapur Pays Tribute on Death Anniversary of Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das

Brahmapur: The death anniversary of Pandit Gopabandhu Das, fondly known as Utkalmani (Gem of Odisha), a great freedom fighter and a pioneer in the formation of a separate Utkal province, was observed by the Ganjam District Backward Class Development Forum, Shaunḍhik Samaj, and Pujya Puja Committee.

Floral tributes were offered at his statue located at Giriraj Road Square, and his legacy was fondly remembered. Various members paid homage by singing his praises and highlighting his contributions.

Among the dignitaries present at the event were:

Prabhakar Sahu

Abani Gaya

Bishwajit Choudhury

Pramod Maharana

Basudev Sahu Kar

Savita Sahukar

Surendra Nath Panda

Bijay Tarei

P. Nageswar Rao

S.S. Mallik

Biren Kumar Behera

Gagan Chandra Mallik

S. Shambha Shiva Rao

Mohammad Aslam

Ashok Dalei,
along with many other respected personalities who participated in the program to pay their respects.