Concerns about several stations being part of the recently formed South Coast Railway Zone (SCoR), with its headquarters in Visakhapatnam, have been addressed by the Ministry of Railways.
Concerns were allayed when authorities revealed that the Palasa-Ichchapuram stretch, which extends for around 50 km, comprises seven stations in the Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh: Palasa, Summadevi, Mandasa Road, Baruva, Sompeta, Jhadupudi, and Ichchapuram. Odisha does not contain any of these stations.
Additionally, these stations are small to medium in size and mostly serve passenger traffic; there is no significant goods loading activity, according to Railways. Consequently, East Coast Railway’s (ECoR) income is unaffected.
In order to keep logistical operations running smoothly, officials made it clear that pass-through freight traffic will not be affected by changes to zonal jurisdiction. The integration and uninterrupted operation of railway services between zones is maintained.
Passenger and MEMU trains on lines including Palasa-Bhubaneswar, Palasa-Cuttack, and Ichchapuram-Cuttack will continue as before. The frequency, schedules, and routes will not change.
According to those in charge, the rearrangement is a technological modification that would help the Visakhapatnam division become more administratively efficient and better at managing passenger services.
Railway officials have also verified that plans to transfer employees from ECoR to SCoR are nearing completion, with all service conditions guaranteed in line with standard practice.
The government reaffirmed its dedication to Odisha by showcasing its continuous investments in railway infrastructure, which include modernising stations, expanding the network, introducing Vande Bharat Express services, and creating the Rayagada Division under ECoR.
