Smita Mishra 
In the vast expanse of Odisha’s industrial landscape, a quiet revolution is underway. Thanks to the special patronage of Prime Minister Modi and visionary leadership of Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav dynamic leaders like D.K. Samantray, the Managing Director of Angul Sukinda Railway Limited (ASRL), the state is witnessing a transformation of its railway infrastructure in recent time. With a career spanning decades, Samantray’s passion for railways and sports has driven him to make a lasting impact on Odisha’s economy and infrastructure. In this inspiring story, we delve into Samantray’s journey, his vision for Odisha’s railways, and the impact of the ASRL project on the state’s future.
The ASRL’s journey began with a vision to transform the railway infrastructure in Odisha. The company’s Managing Director, D.K. Samantray, a seasoned railway professional, had a dream to enhance the railway infrastructure in Odisha. “After being a railway professional, I had a dream to enhance and contribute to the railway infrastructure, especially in Odisha,” he said in a recent interview.
Samantray’s passion for railways dates back to his early days as a railway officer. He worked in various capacities, including railway electrification and new line projects , in West Bengal and Odisha for a period spanning over two decades. His experience and expertise played a crucial role in shaping the ASRL’s mission and vision.
The ASRL’s project involved constructing a new rail line from Angul to Sukinda, spanning nearly 100 kilometres. The company successfully company has achieved financial closure and is completed the construction in a record time of eight years from the date of equity funding . Samantray’s leadership has been instrumental in overcoming the challenges faced by the project, including land acquisition , forest and environmental clearance and funding.
When asked about his approach to overcoming these challenges, Samantray said, “I had a very defined goal to change the landscape of railways in Odisha. Odisha has a tag of being late in executing sanctioned project of railways. A project passes, but it takes many years to be implemented. I felt terrible about it, and I always made it my aim to remove that tag and make the infrastructure good enough for immediate work.” Fortunately with the new dispensation in Railway Ministry things are looking up.
Samantray’s dedication and perseverance have paid off. On completing trains are running over this new line which is now an important feeder line for steel and power sector. When asked about his feelings on achieving this milestone, Samantray said, “It’s a huge achievement. We started from scratch, and now we have achieved the milestone. Now we are extending this line upto Tata Steel plat at Kalinganagar to make the later as the hub of. Steel industry in Odisha.
The ASRL’s project is not just about constructing a new rail line; it’s about transforming the railway infrastructure in Odisha. The project will provide a vital link between the coal fields in Talcher and the steel plants in Angul. It will also enable the movement of limestone from Central India to the Kalinganagar steel industry.
Samantray’s vision for the ASRL goes beyond the current project. He aims to make Kalinganagar the steel hub of Odisha. “We have the greatest project of all time in our hands to make Kalinganagar the steel hub of Odisha. We aim to expand the existing steel plant from 3 million to 8 million and then to 16 million,” he said.
Samantray’s passion for railways is matched only by his passion for sports. He was the president of the sports association of East Coast Railway for nearly a decade. . He played a crucial role in developing the railway cricket stadium at Mancheswar, Bhubaneswar, and an indoor stadium with a capacity to hold 2000 people.
Samantray’s story is one of passion, dedication, and transformation. He has worked tirelessly to promote railways and sports in Odisha. His leadership and vision have been instrumental in shaping the ASRL’s mission and vision.
As we went further with our conversation with Samantray, it’s clear that he is a true visionary. His passion for railways and sports is inspiring, and his dedication to transforming the railway infrastructure in Odisha is commendable. The ASRL’s project is a testament to his leadership and vision, and we can’t wait to see the impact it will have on the state’s economy and infrastructure.
Samantray’s passion for railways is matched only by his passion for sports. He was the president of the sports association in the zonal division of East Coast Railway. During his tenure, he worked tirelessly to promote sports in Odisha. One of his notable achievements was the development of the cricket stadium at Mancheswar, Bhubaneswar. He also played a crucial role in building an indoor stadium with a capacity to hold 2000 people.
Samantray’s contribution to sports in Odisha goes beyond infrastructure development. He helped hundreds of young people get jobs in the sports quota, enabling them to pursue their passion for sports. He not only helped them get jobs but also encouraged them to achieve excellence in their chosen sport. His efforts have inspired many young athletes, including Rachita Panda and Shrabani Nanda, to pursue their dreams in sports.
He worked in many places like Nagpur, Visakhapatnam, West Bengal but he eventually came back to odisha.”I have a sentiment attached to this place. No matter where I work, or how much better my position is, this place often calls me.” His love for Odisha and its people is evident in his work and dedication to the ASRL project.
Samantray’s journey is not just about building railways; it’s about building a better future for the people of Odisha. He believes that the ASRL project will not only provide employment opportunities but also stimulate economic growth in the region.
When asked about his vision for the future, Samantray said, “We have vast opportunities in sports, why not invest in them? We have vast potential and rail infrastructure can help in tapping them and provide a platform for a shinning economy for Odisha “. His words resonate with the people of Odisha, who have long been seeking opportunities for growth and development.
Samantray’s story is a testament to the power of passion and dedication. He has worked tirelessly to promote railways and sports in Odisha, and his leadership and vision have been instrumental in shaping the ASRL’s mission and vision.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that Samantray’s legacy will continue to inspire and motivate others. His story is a reminder that with hard work, determination, and a passion for making a difference, anything is possible.
In conclusion, D.K. Samantray’s story is a shining example of what can be achieved through dedication, hard work, and a passion for making a difference. His leadership and vision have been instrumental in shaping the ASRL’s mission and vision, and his legacy will continue to inspire and motivate others for generations to come.
The ASRL project is a testament to Samantray’s vision and leadership, and it will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the state’s economy and infrastructure. As Odisha continues to grow and develop, it’s clear that Samantray’s legacy will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the state’s history.
Samantray’s story is also a reminder that even in the face of challenges and adversity, determination and hard work can overcome even the most daunting obstacles. His passion for railways and sports is inspiring, and his dedication to transforming the railway infrastructure in Odisha is a testament to his commitment to making a difference.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that Samantray’s legacy will continue to inspire and motivate others. His story is a shining example of what can be achieved through dedication, hard work, and a passion for making a difference.
