Odisha demands new train after freedom fighter Buxi Jagabandhu

Marking the bicentennial celebrations of 'Paika Bidroha' (armed uprising against the British East India Company), the Odisha government has demanded a train to be named after noted freedom fighter Buxi Jagabandhu Bidyadhar Mohapatra Bhramarbar Ray.

The demand was made by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik while addressing the concluding ceremony of the celebrations at Khurda yesterday.

"On the auspicious occasion of completing 200 years of the Paika Bidroha, I demand introduction of a new express train from the state after the name of Buxi Jagabandhu," Patnaik said.

Highlighting the significance of Paika Bidroha celebrations, Patnaik said the Odia Paikas (soldiers) under the leadership of Buxi Jagabandhu had revolted against the British Raj in 1817, about 40 years earlier of the Sepoy Mutiny in 1857.

The Chief Minister said the state government would soon launch a new drinking water scheme 'Basudha' named after Buxi Jagabandhu for both rural and urban areas of the state.

"Rs 1,000 crore has also been decided to be allocated for the project in the next fiscal," he said.

State Cultural minister Ashok Chandra Panda, Law minister Arun Sahu, School and Mass Education minister Debi Mishra and MP Prasanna Patsani were also present during the ceremony held at Khordha Garh.

(This article has not been edited by DNA's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)