Bhubaneswar, May 6: In response to circulating misinformation suggesting that Odisha’s interests would be compromised by the creation of the new South Coast Railway Zone, Indian Railways has issued a firm clarification, calling such claims “factually incorrect and motivated.”

Railway officials confirmed that the state will not lose any territory or railway infrastructure to Andhra Pradesh as part of the zone reorganization.

Key Clarifications from Indian Railways:

1. Palasa–Ichchapuram Section. The 53-km stretch between Palasa and Ichchapuram, now part of the Visakhapatnam Division of the South Coast Railway Zone, includes seven stations — Palasa, Sumadevi, Mandasa Road, Baruva, Sompeta, Jhadupudi, and Ichchapuram — all located in Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam district.

“This section does not affect any area of Odisha,” the Railway statement emphasized.

2. Rayagada Division: Several sections previously under the Waltair Division, totaling around 696 km, have been reassigned to the newly created Rayagada Division. Key routes include:

• Koraput–Singapur Road
• Kotavalasa–Kirandul
• Kuneru–Therubali
• Gunupur–Paralakhemundi

These routes will remain under Odisha’s jurisdiction within Indian Railways and will not be transferred to Andhra Pradesh.

The Railway authorities urged the public and the media to refrain from spreading unverified information, stressing that such claims only confuse.

“No part of Odisha is being transferred to Andhra Pradesh in any manner,” the official statement added.

The creation of the South Coast Railway Zone is part of a broader administrative restructuring aimed at enhancing operational efficiency. Odisha is set to continue benefiting from dedicated divisions and focused development of its railway infrastructure.