By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: A recent development involving a reduction in East Coast Railway (ECoR) jurisdiction, which has triggered fresh political allegations of “neglect” or “betrayal” towards ECoR and Odisha by the Railway Ministry under Ashwini Vaishnaw.
What Exactly Happened?
The Railway Board issued a letter (dated around April 2, 2026, signed by Executive Director Rameshwar Meena) transferring the Palasa–Ichchapuram section (approx. 50 km stretch in the Khurda Road Division of ECoR) to the proposed Visakhapatnam Division of the new South Coast Railway (SCoR) zone (headquartered in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh).
Affected stations: Palasa, Baruva, Jhadupudi, Summadevi, Sompeta, Mandasa Road, and Ichchapuram.
This is described as a “partial modification” to finalise the boundaries of the SCoR zone (created under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, with work accelerating in 2025-26).
This is not a massive shrinking of ECoR overall. Earlier (Feb 2025), as part of the same SCoR reorganisation, a large chunk of the old Waltair Division was actually added to ECoR as the new Rayagada Division (about 680 km). ECoR remains India’s top freight-loading and revenue-earning zone even in 2025-26.
Allegations of Negligence/Neglect Towards ECoR:
Opposition parties in Odisha (mainly BJD and Congress) have strongly criticised this move, calling it: A deliberate attempt to weaken ECoR (one of Indian Railways’ highest-earning zones due to Odisha’s coal, minerals, and industrial freight).Neglect or betrayal of Odisha’s interests in favour of Andhra Pradesh.Likely to cause revenue loss, disrupt freight planning, passenger services, and administrative efficiency in southern Odisha.
Part of a “conspiracy” to reduce Odisha’s role in railway decision-making.
Key reactions (April 3-4, 2026):
BJD Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra wrote directly to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw demanding an immediate rollback and consultation with Odisha representatives. He highlighted risks to freight earnings and Odisha’s influence.
BJD leader Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak: Called it mortgaging “Odisha’s self-respect” to appease Andhra and weaken ECoR.
Congress MP Saptagiri Ulaka: Alleged it was done under pressure from Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu and demanded a new railway division at Berhampur instead.
Even BJP Berhampur MP Pradeep Kumar Panigrahy opposed the shift, calling the section an “economic artery of south Odisha” and demanding protection of Odisha’s “railway sovereignty.”
BJP’s state spokesperson Satyabrata Panda: The change is only for “effective governance” and will not harm Odisha’s interests.
From the Andhra side, Srikakulam MP and Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu welcomed it as a “long-pending aspiration” for better administration in the region.
Official/Railways view: Administrative reorganisation to streamline the new SCoR zone (long promised for Andhra). No detailed public rationale beyond “competent authority decided.”
Opposition view: Political appeasement of Andhra + systematic weakening of ECoR (which was carved out of other zones earlier to create SCoR).
Broader Context for Odisha: This is a specific, limited jurisdiction tweak in one border section (mostly in AP but impacting ECoR’s Khurda Road operations). It does not cancel projects, cut overall funding, or reverse the massive railway investments in Odisha . ECoR continues to lead nationally in freight and remains Odisha-centric. However, the timing has reignited political debate in Odisha about whether the Centre is adequately protecting the state’s railway assets and influence under Vaishnaw (who is also from Odisha).
