Patna/New Delhi: Several Rajya Sabha members on Tuesday raised urgent concerns about railway safety and connectivity across India. BJP MP Maya Naroliya flagged serious structural issues in the Narmadapuram-Itarsi overbridge in Madhya Pradesh, saying it poses a threat to thousands of daily passengers.

According to her, the bridge, built in 1997, shows deep cracks, collapsed concrete layers, and overall instability. Naroliya demanded legal action against the contractor, blacklisting from future projects, and accountability for officials who approved payments without proper inspections. She called for a complete reconstruction rather than surface repairs.

Demand for Vande Bharat extension to Kozhikode

BJP MP Sadanand Mhalu Shet Tanavde from Goa urged the government to extend the Vande Bharat Express from Madgaon-Mangalore to Kozhikode in Kerala. Passengers currently face train changes, long waiting periods, and ticket shortages. The extension, he said, would benefit students, senior citizens, and tourists.

Calls for better rail connectivity in Odisha

BJD member Sasmit Patra highlighted the need for stronger railway links in South Odisha. He urged fast completion of the Gopalpur-Rayagada new line and the Naupada-Gunupur-Therubali second line and sanctioned projects like the Jeypore-Nabarangpur and Jeypore-Malkangiri lines. He also recommended modernising Brahmapur railway station with new platforms and a coaching terminal.

UP MP raises delay in RRTS 

BJP MP Laxmikant Bajpayee from Uttar Pradesh pointed out delays in the 82-km Meerut-Delhi RRTS project. He also raised concerns about large industrial plot sizes along the 594-km Ganga Expressway between Meerut and Prayagraj, suggesting smaller plots for MSMEs to ensure wider benefits.