Sasmit Patra Urges Odisha-Centric Railway Zone

Rajya Sabha MP Dr Sasmit Patra has written to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, highlighting the adverse impact of the Waltair Division restructuring on Odisha’s railway network and calling for an Odisha-centric railway zone.

He said the reorganisation fragmented key railway lines historically linked to Odisha’s economy and geography, affecting operational continuity and revenue alignment. Patra noted that the Koraput–Kirandul (KK) Line and Naupada–Gunupur Line now fall under split jurisdictions between East Coast Railway and South Coast Railway, creating administrative inefficiencies.

He emphasised that Odisha’s mineral-rich regions depend on the KK Line for resource transport, and dividing control hampers freight prioritisation and maintenance. Similarly, the Palasa–Ichchapuram section, placed under South Coast Railway, limits Odisha’s ability to advocate for infrastructure improvements in a vital gateway corridor.

Patra pointed out that the absence of direct linkage between Khurda Road and Rayagada Divisions weakens intra-state coordination and operational oversight. He argued that Odisha’s railway assets are now administered outside its primary zone, diffusing revenue generated from the state’s resources and passenger base.

To safeguard Odisha’s interests, Patra proposed restoring railway sections linked to the state under an Odisha-centric framework or creating a unified Odisha Railway Zone. He said such a zone would ensure revenue retention, better planning, and stronger administrative coherence.