Bhubaneswar, April 15: BJD Member of Parliament Sasmit Patra has written a letter to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, raising concerns over the restructuring of the Waltair Division and its detrimental impact on Odisha’s railway network. In his letter, Patra emphasized the need for an Odisha-centric railway zone to address the challenges posed by the recent changes.
Patra stated that the reorganization has fragmented critical railway lines that have historically been vital to Odisha’s economy and geography. This restructuring, he argued, has disrupted operational continuity and revenue alignment, affecting the state’s railway system. He specifically pointed out the splitting of the Koraput–Kirandul (KK) Line and the Naupada–Gunupur Line between East Coast Railway and South Coast Railway, which has led to administrative inefficiencies.
Highlighting the strategic importance of Odisha’s mineral-rich regions, Patra noted that the KK Line plays a crucial role in transporting resources. The division of control between two railway zones undermines freight prioritization and maintenance, he said. Furthermore, the inclusion of the Palasa–Ichchapuram section under South Coast Railway limits Odisha’s ability to push for necessary infrastructure improvements in a key gateway corridor.
Patra also expressed concern over the lack of a direct linkage between the Khurda Road and Rayagada Divisions, which weakens coordination and operational oversight within the state. He argued that the administration of Odisha’s railway assets outside of its core zone dilutes the revenue generated from the state’s resources and passenger traffic.
Patra urged the Union Railway Minister to either restore key railway sections linked to Odisha under a state-specific framework or establish a unified Odisha Railway Zone. Such a zone, he said, would enable better planning, ensure the retention of revenue, and provide enhanced administrative coherence, ultimately safeguarding the interests of the state.
