Amid growing misinformation campaigns claiming that the newly created South Coast Railway Zone will harm Odisha’s interests, the Railway authorities have issued a strong clarification, terming such reports as “factually incorrect and motivated.”
Officials have categorically stated that no territory or railway infrastructure of Odisha is being transferred to Andhra Pradesh due to the reorganization of railway zones.
Key Clarifications Issued by the Railways:
- Palasa–Ichchapuram Section
The 53-km stretch between Palasa and Ichchapuram, which falls under the Visakhapatnam Division of the new South Coast Railway Zone, has seven stations. All seven stations — Palasa, Sumadevi, Mandasa Road, Baruva, Sompeta, Jhadupudi, and Ichchapuram — are located in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh.
“This section does not affect any area of Odisha,” the statement emphasized. - Rayagada Division
Several important sections previously under the Waltair Division, totaling approximately 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.
The Railway authorities have appealed to the public and media not to spread 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 communication added.
The creation of the new South Coast Railway Zone is part of a larger administrative reorganization aimed at improving operational efficiency. Odisha will continue to benefit from dedicated divisions and focused development of railway infrastructure within the state.
