Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP Sasmit Patra has written to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw seeking the creation of a unified Odisha Railway Zone, citing concerns arising from the reorganisation of the Waltair Division and its impact on the state’s railway network.
In his representation, Patra argued that recent structural changes involving the Waltair Division have led to fragmentation of railway routes historically serving Odisha. He said this has affected operational coordination and long-term infrastructure planning.
The MP specifically highlighted key railway corridors, including the Koraput–Kirandul (KK) line and the Naupada–Gunupur section, stating that their division across multiple railway jurisdictions has created administrative challenges in freight movement, maintenance, and service delivery.
Patra also raised concerns over the placement of the Palasa–Ichchapuram stretch under the South Coast Railway, terming it a crucial route for passenger and freight movement along the Howrah–Chennai main line. He said such arrangements dilute Odisha’s role in planning and prioritisation of key routes.
According to the letter, the restructuring has resulted in overlapping jurisdictions between the East Coast Railway and the South Coast Railway, affecting seamless connectivity and coordination within the state.
The MP further pointed out that intra-state rail connectivity, including routes connecting regions such as Paralakhemundi and Gunupur, often requires movement across different railway zones, leading to operational inefficiencies.
Patra has therefore renewed the demand for a dedicated Odisha-centric railway zone, arguing that it would ensure better integration of railway infrastructure, improve administrative efficiency, and enable equitable reinvestment of revenue generated within the state.
He also referred to earlier discussions involving former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who had previously advocated for a unified railway zone for Odisha.
The MP has urged the Ministry of Railways to reconsider the current restructuring framework and ensure greater coordination in railway planning for Odisha’s long-term development.
