Bhubaneswar: Amid misleading campaigns suggesting that the newly created South Coast Railway Zone would harm Odisha’s interests, Railways  issued a strong rebuttal, describing such reports as “factually incorrect and motivated.”

The Railways have categorically clarified that no territory or railway infrastructure belonging to Odisha is being transferred to Andhra Pradesh as part of the zonal reorganization.

Key Clarifications:1. Palasa–Ichchapuram Section

The 53-km stretch between Palasa and Ichchapuram, which falls under the Visakhapatnam Division of the new South Coast Railway Zone, includes seven stations: Palasa, Sumadevi, Mandasa Road, Baruva, Sompeta, Jhadupudi, and Ichchapuram.

All seven stations are located in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh.

“This section does not affect any area of Odisha,” officials emphasized.2. Rayagada Division

Several important sections earlier under the Waltair Division — totaling around 696 km — will now come under the newly created Rayagada Division. These include:  Koraput–Singapur Road

Kotavalasa–Kirandul

Kuneru–Therubali

Gunupur–Paralakhemundi

These routes will continue to remain under Indian Railways’ Odisha jurisdiction and will not be shifted to Andhra Pradesh.Railway authorities have appealed to the public and media to refrain from spreading unverified or misleading information that creates unnecessary confusion among the people of Odisha.

“Such propaganda is baseless and factually wrong. 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 will continue to benefit from dedicated railway divisions and focused infrastructure development within the state.