MP Saptagiri urges to accelerate development of Rayagada Rail Division in a high level meeting
Dr.Badal Tah,Odishabarta
Rayagada, November 4: A meeting of the Divisional Committee for the Waltair Division under East Coast Railway (ECoR) was held under the chairmanship of Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu. The committee reviewed major railway projects, ongoing developmental works, and future initiatives aimed at enhancing connectivity and passenger convenience in the region.
Among the key updates in the meeting was establishment of Rayagada Railway Division. It was informed that the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Office at Rayagada has been established, and the Rayagada Railway Division has been officially commissioned. All associated infrastructure development works are progressing as scheduled and are targeted for completion by December 2026. The proposed jurisdiction of the Rayagada Railway Division, as per the approved Detailed Project Report (DPR), tentatively includes the following sections: Kottavalasa (Araku) – Koraput – Kirandul line, Koraput – Rayagada line, Gunupur – Therubali line, Gopalpur- Singapur Road line & Rayagada – Parvatipuram section. It was discussed that the General Manager, East Coast Railway (ECoR), will share the detailed divisional boundary map as approved in the DPR. A Divisional Review Committee Meeting for the Rayagada Division will be convened shortly to monitor the progress of key projects. The Control Unit at Rayagada is scheduled for completion by March 2026.
Regarding Gunupur – Theruvali Railway Line Project, land acquisition is currently in progress. Approval for double line operation has been granted. For Gopalpur – Singapur Road Railway Line Project the Final Location Survey (FLS) has been approved, and DPR preparation is underway. It was decided that land acquisition for both the Gunupur-Theruvali and Gopalpur Singapur Road projects will be undertaken simultaneously to expedite progress. The GM, ECoR, assured full cooperation for timely execution.
The emphasis was put on restoring all train stoppages that were operational prior to the COVID-19 period. At Jimidipeta a stoppage request will be sent to the Railway Board by the GM, ECoR. For Singapur Road, all pending requests are being prioritized; Several have already been forwarded to the Railway Board. The GM, ECoR, will review all valid stoppage requests and forward them to the Railway Board. MP Saptagiri Ulaka will raise these matters in Parliament for early resolution.
Development works at Gunupur, Rayagada, and other stations approved under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme will be fast-tracked for early completion.A proposal was placed for introducing a new daytime train service connecting Jeypore Koraput-Rayagada-Bhubaneswar. The GM, ECoR, acknowledged the importance of this service and assured that a formal proposal will be submitted to the Ministry for approval.
It was emphasized that passenger trains should be given priority over goods trains. Wherever feasible, passenger trains should halt at Platform No. 1 or 2 for the convenience of commuters. The committee urged the restoration and revision of fare concessions for senior citizens available prior to COVID-19 and restoration of press travel concessions for journalists & sportspersons. Review and rationalization of fares for Vande Bharat and other premium express trains to make travel more affordable was done.
