Delhi, April 3: Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, Dr. Sasmit Patra raised objection over the inclusion of Palasa–Ichchapuram section under the Visakhapatnam Railway Division.
Patra while briefing media expressed his discontent over the decision and penned a letter to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in this connection.
In the letter, Patra underlined the potential of the Palasa-Ichchapuram Section and its substantial economic prospectives for Odisha & urged Vaishnaw to roll back the decision.
The letter read, “I write to register my strong opposition to the recent revision of jurisdiction under the proposed South Coast Railway (SCoR) Zone, as conveyed vide Railway Board letter dated 02.04.2026, particularly the inclusion of the Palasa–Ichchapuram section under the Visakhapatnam division.This decision impacts Odisha, a state that contributes significantly to Indian Railways’ freight earnings through coal, minerals, and industrial output. Any diversion of jurisdiction over such high-revenue sections risks financial loss, weakens administrative control, and dilutes Odisha’s role in railway network planning and prioritisation.”
“I urge you to immediately roll back this revision and ensure that no changes affecting Odisha are implemented without due consultation and concurrence with the people of Odisha and their Public representatives”, the letter added.
