ECoR Confirms No Revenue Impact from Railway Section Transfer to Visakhapatnam Division
The Chief Minister's Office (CMO) in Bhubaneswar has officially stated that the East Coast Railway (ECoR) will not suffer any revenue loss due to the transfer of the Ichchapuram-Palasa section from the Khurda Road railway division to the proposed Visakhapatnam division of the South Coast Railway (SCoR). This announcement was made on Friday, addressing concerns about potential financial setbacks for the railway zone headquartered in Bhubaneswar.
New Rayagada Division Sanctioned with High-Revenue Corridor
In a significant development, the CMO revealed that a new Rayagada railway division has been sanctioned. This division will include the Kothavalasa-Kirandul line, which is recognized as one of the highest revenue-generating railway corridors in the region. The establishment of this division is expected to bring substantial economic benefits and enhance operational efficiency.
Key Points from the CMO Statement:
- The Palasa-Ichchapuram section does not host any major originating freight revenue station, ensuring no adverse impact on ECoR's finances.
- No railway track from Odisha is being diverted to other states, with all developments focused on strengthening the state's internal network and improving interstate connectivity for economic growth.
- Reports of railways being constricted in Odisha and revenue loss are based on unfounded assumptions, as the state is set to gain from the new Rayagada division.
Enhancing Efficiency and Regional Development
The official statement emphasized that preparations are underway for the Rayagada division to commence operations shortly. This move is anticipated to:
- Improve service delivery across the railway network in Odisha.
- Boost regional development by enhancing connectivity and economic opportunities.
- Increase overall efficiency in railway management and operations.
The CMO reiterated that ongoing and proposed railway developments are strategically designed to support Odisha's infrastructure growth while fostering better interstate links, ultimately contributing to the state's economic prosperity.
