BJD Opposes Centre's Decision to Split Waltair Railway Division from East Coast Railway Zone

The BJD has voiced concerns over the Centre's decision to separate the Waltair division from the East Coast Railway zone. They argue this move could have negative economic impacts on Odisha. The party also questioned the silence of the state's BJP government on this issue.

While the BJD welcomed the new railway division at Rayagada, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate, they criticised the separation of Waltair. "Delinking the Waltair division, a revenue-generating part, from East Coast Railway, is a move aimed solely at appeasing Andhra Pradesh," stated BJD leader Brugu Baxipatra during a press conference.

Revenue Concerns and Regional Impact

BJD MLA Rupesh Panigrahi and former MP Pradeep Majhi were present at the press meet. They expressed strong reservations about the central government’s move and claimed that the Waltair zone is one of the largest revenue-generating divisions in the ECoR jurisdiction. Baxipatra highlighted that transferring ECoR's key revenue-earning part to the South Coast Railway zone seems like an attempt to appease Andhra Pradesh's political leadership.

The Waltair division covers over 1,052 kilometres of rail routes, including the Kottavalasa-Kirandul KK line, a major freight revenue earner. It also houses Indian Railways' largest diesel loco shed, accommodating 300 diesel locomotives. By March 31, 2024, it surpassed 75 million tonnes in loading and earned over Rs 10,000 crore in revenue.

Proposals for Strengthening Odisha's Rail Infrastructure

The BJD demanded that regions like Jareikela, Bandamunda, Rourkela, Jharsuguda, Belpahad, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, and Balasore districts be transferred to ECoR. They believe this shift will protect Odisha’s interests and boost its economic prospects. The party also proposed creating a new division in northern Odisha to include districts currently under South Eastern Railway.

Additionally, they suggested establishing a new Rourkela division to incorporate Jharsuguda and Sundergarh from the Chakradharpur division. These measures aim to improve administration and railway services in Odisha.

Political Criticism and Allegations

Ex-MP Pradeep Majhi criticised BJP MPs for their silence on Waltair's separation from ECoR. He alleged that the state government has remained silent on key issues affecting Odisha. He also mentioned an earlier decision to allocate Rs 12,000 crore for Andhra Pradesh's Polavaram project despite its potential adverse effects on Odisha’s Malkangiri region.

The BJD expressed concern over what they see as a trend of prioritising political allies' interests in Andhra Pradesh and Bihar by the BJP-led central government. Despite Odisha contributing significantly with 20 Lok Sabha MPs, they claim it continues to be sidelined.