Indus Valley Times

By CB Singh

ECoR reviews key projects under Waltair Division; Rayagada Division takes shape, reviving Congress-era regional connectivity plans

Visakhapatnam | Nov. 5: A divisional committee meeting of the East Coast Railway (ECoR) for the Waltair Division, chaired by Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu, has reviewed the progress of major ongoing and proposed rail infrastructure projects across southern Odisha and north coastal Andhra Pradesh. Senior railway officials and divisional representatives discussed measures to accelerate strategic projects that could redefine connectivity across the mineral and tribal belts of the Eastern Ghats.

Rayagada Railway Division: A Structural Milestone

The establishment of the Rayagada Railway Division marked a historic moment for southern Odisha’s long-pending demand for administrative autonomy in rail operations. The new Divisional Railway Manager’s (DRM) office at Rayagada has been formally operationalized under ECoR, paving the way for faster regional decision-making.

All related infrastructure development is progressing as per schedule, with completion targeted by December 2026. As per the approved Detailed Project Report (DPR), the proposed jurisdiction of the Rayagada Division will include:

• Kottavalasa (Araku)–Koraput–Kirandul line

• Koraput–Rayagada line

• Gunupur–Theruvali line

• Gopalpur–Singapur Road line

• Rayagada–Parvathipuram section

The ECoR General Manager is expected to finalize the divisional boundary map shortly, while a Rayagada Divisional Review Committee meeting will be convened soon to oversee progress. The dedicated control unit at Rayagada is planned for completion by March 2026.

Strategic Rail Links Under Focus

Two critical projects—the Gunupur–Theruvali and Gopalpur–Singapur Road rail links—received special attention during the meeting.

• Land acquisition for the Gunupur–Theruvali project is currently underway, with double-line work already approved.

• The Gopalpur–Singapur Road line has cleared its final location survey, and the DPR is under preparation.

Both projects are expected to provide seamless freight and passenger connectivity, linking Odisha’s hinterland with its ports and industrial zones.

Historical Note:

These railway corridors were first conceptualized under the Congress-led development vision during India’s earlier Five-Year Plans, aimed at integrating the mineral-rich tribal highlands with the national transport grid. Today’s progress represents a delayed but decisive step toward realizing that foundational plan.

Passenger Services and Operational Priorities

The meeting emphasized reinstating all pre-pandemic train halts, including those at Jimidipeta, Singapur Road, and Kakarigumma Road. Proposals have been forwarded to the Railway Board for consideration.

A new daytime express service linking Jaypore–Koraput–Rayagada–Bhubaneswar has also been proposed to improve regional mobility and tourism potential.

Officials further agreed that passenger trains will be prioritized over freight operations, and efforts will be made to ensure convenient platform allocations for commuters.

Station Modernization Under Amrit Bharat Scheme

Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, station redevelopment at Jaypore, Koraput, Gunupur, Damanjodi, and Rayagada will be expedited. Modern amenities, waiting halls, and digital facilities will be introduced to enhance the passenger experience.

Fare Structure and Travel Concessions

The committee recommended the restoration and rationalization of fare concessions suspended during the pandemic, including those for:

• Senior citizens

• Accredited journalists and media personnel

• Sports persons

It also called for a review of fare structures for high-speed services such as Vande Bharat Express, to make them more accessible to common passengers.