Former Union Minister and Congress leader from Odisha, Srikant Jena, has expressed strong opposition to the central government's plan to merge the Waltair division of East Coast Railway (ECoR) with the newly formed South Coast Railway (SCoR) zone. In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jena urged reconsideration of the decision, advocating instead for strengthening the existing ECoR structure. Jena emphasised the need for a comprehensive railway zone that aligns with the aspirations of the people of Odisha, calling for measures to fortify ECoR rather than dismantle its core framework. The move has also drawn criticism from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), which echoed concerns over the delinking of the Waltair division. However, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Odisha assured that the state would retain its three railway divisions as before. Jena’s appeal highlights the broader demand for enhanced infrastructure and equitable development of railway services in Odisha. (ET)