Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has hailed the creation of the new Rayagada Railway Division under the East Coast Railway (ECoR) as a “landmark decision” that will turbocharge development in the state’s southern region.
The division will officially become operational on June 1, 2026 — the same day India’s 18th railway zone, the South Coast Railway (SCoR) headquartered in Visakhapatnam, kicks off operations.
In a heartfelt message on X, CM Majhi extended “profound gratitude” to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, crediting the move to the “strength of double-engine governance.” He described it as fulfilling a “long-cherished aspiration” of the people of southern Odisha and marking the start of a “transformative chapter” for the region.
Why This Matters: Connectivity, Tourism, and Revenue Boost
The new division will oversee approximately 680 km of railway lines, carved out from the erstwhile Waltair Division. Crucially, it includes the high-revenue Kothavalasa–Kirandul (KK) line, ensuring revenue stability for ECoR even as the Waltair portion moves to the new SCoR zone.
Key benefits highlighted by the CM and railway officials include:
- Enhanced regional connectivity across tribal-dominated southern districts like Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri.
- Unlocking tourism potential in areas rich with natural beauty, waterfalls, and cultural heritage.
- Job creation and industrial growth, positioning Rayagada as a future industrial hub.
- Faster freight movement for minerals and goods, boosting economic activity.
- Inclusive and sustainable development, aligning with the vision of a “Viksit Bharat” and “Viksit Odisha.”
The foundation stone for the division was laid by PM Modi in January 2025, and a Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) was appointed shortly after, putting the project on a fast track.
As the countdown to June 1 begins, the Rayagada Railway Division isn’t just a new administrative unit — it’s a powerful signal that southern Odisha is finally getting the rail infrastructure it deserves.
