TNI Bureau: Dr. Sasmit Patra, Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, has strongly opposed the inclusion of the Palasa–Ichchapuram railway section under the Visakhapatnam division as part of the proposed South Coast Railway (SCoR) Zone.

In a letter dated April 3, 2026, addressed to Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Railways, Patra raised concerns over the recent revision of railway jurisdiction communicated through a Railway Board letter issued on April 2, 2026.

He stated that the move adversely impacts Odisha, which significantly contributes to Indian Railways’ freight earnings through coal, minerals, and industrial output. According to him, transferring jurisdiction of such high-revenue sections could lead to financial losses for the state, weaken administrative control, and reduce Odisha’s role in railway planning and prioritisation.

Patra urged the Railway Ministry to immediately roll back the decision and ensure that no changes affecting Odisha are implemented without proper consultation with the state’s people and their elected representatives.