Rayagada Division, East Coast Railway, celebrated the 80th Independence Day with patriotic fervour at the Railway Playground. Divisional Railway Manager Shri Amitabh Singhal unfurled the National Flag and reviewed the parade, with contingents of RPF, Bharat Scouts & Guides and NCC Cadets of Central School taking part. Extending greetings to railway officers, employees & their families and Stake holders, Shri Singhal paid tribute to the freedom fighters, martyrs and patriots whose sacrifices secured India’s independence.
Highlighting the significance of the occasion, Shri Singhal said that Rayagada Division came into existence as a new division of East Coast Railway on 1 June 2026, marking the beginning of a new chapter. He called upon all employees to work with renewed enthusiasm, dedication and team spirit to build a strong, efficient and progressive division.
Since its formation, the Division has recorded notable achievements in operations, safety, revenue, passenger services and infrastructure. These include formation of 219 Long Haul trains, in-situ attention to 526 wagons at Kirandul, examination of 65 rakes and 105 steel-coil rakes at NMAG/Nagarnar, and commissioning of a WILD between Singpur Road and Rayagada on 29 June 2026. Safety and passenger-security initiatives resulted in 1,338 cases involving unauthorised elements and ₹5.62 lakh in fines; four narcotics cases led to the recovery of 34.232 kg ganja valued at about ₹8.11 lakh; 13 minor boys were rescued; lost passenger belongings worth ₹5.57 lakh were restored under Operation Amanat; and the Meri Saheli initiative assisted 10,180 women passengers travelling alone.
The Division also delivered strong financial and freight performance. In July 2026, commercial revenue stood at ₹378.87 crore, including ₹8.53 crore passenger earnings and ₹370.34 crore freight earnings. Cumulative freight earnings reached ₹1,676.69 crore, while 13.72 million tonnes of originating freight loading was achieved up to July against a target of 13.68 million tonnes. Intensive ticket-checking drives detected 5,403 cases and realised ₹38.41 lakh. Special arrangements were also made for Rath Yatra 2026 and for six special trains for CRPF and BSF personnel.
Infrastructure development has progressed with completion of NI work for doubling of Kamlur-Bhansi (12.428 km) and Baiguda-Kakiriguma (12.385 km) sections, closure of one manned level crossing, opening of four Limited Height Sub-way, construction of new Foot Over Bridges at Araku, Jagdalpur, Jeypore and Kakiriguma, and conversion of Jimmidipeta, Ladda and Singaram into Divyang-friendly stations. Lift works under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme are in progress at Koraput, Jeypore, Araku, Jagdalpur and Damanjodi.
Employee welfare has remained a priority, with 35 RRB appointments, 85 promotions to Goods Loco Pilot, settlement of employee cases, and initiatives such as International Yoga Day, cultural competitions and wellness camps. The Railway Board has approved a ₹22.5-crore Divisional Railway Hospital at Rayagada. The laboratory at the Rayagada Medical Unit is scheduled to commence from 17 August 2026, while a 24×7 ambulance facility and tie-ups with private hospitals and diagnostic centres are under process. Construction of 40 staff quarters is underway, with tendering for another 112 quarters in progress.
Shri Singhal appreciated the railway workforce for its teamwork, dedication and tireless efforts and thanked recognised trade unions, associations, organisations, citizens of Rayagada and the Press and Media for their continued support. Later, Shri Amitabh Singhal inaugurated the Laboratory at Railway Hospital along with Smt. Simple Singhal, President, East Coast Railway Women’s Welfare Organisation, Rayagada Division and other branch officers.
The DRM Shri Amitabh Singhal expressed confidence that, with the active participation of all stakeholders, Rayagada Division would achieve new heights and contribute significantly to the progress of Indian Railways and the nation. DRM Sh. Amitabh Singhal mentioned that, with Dedication, Diligence and Determination anything can be achieved.
