South Coast Railway Zone to be headquartered in Visakhapatnam with four divisions, reports Kiranmai Tutika

New zone, new hope

■ The addition of Vijayawada, Guntur, and Guntakal to the Visakhapatnam-headquartered zone ensures better administrative efficiency, improved logistics, and increased railway revenue for the region

■ Structural revamp will also enhance freight transportation, benefiting industries, ports, and local businesses

■ South Coast Railway (SCoR) Zone will be headquartered at Visakhapatnam

■ Will comprise four divisions—Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Guntur, and Guntakal in an extent of 410 km

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

The South Coast Railway (SCoR) Zone will be headquartered at Visakhapatnam and the 132-year-old Waltair Division will be renamed as Visakhapatnam Division. The central government has decided to retain the historical Waltair Division while officially rebranding it to align with the new railway zone structure. The move has been widely welcomed, with Member of Parliament Bharat describing it as a “historic milestone” for the city’s growth and a “major success for the ruling coalition government.”

The Indian Railways has announced that the zone will be headquartered in Visakhapatnam and will comprise four divisions—Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Guntur, and Guntakal in an extent of 410 km. This marks a crucial step in strengthening railway infrastructure and connectivity in the region.

The establishment of the South Coast Railway Zone with Visakhapatnam as its nerve center is expected to drive economic growth and boost the region’s railway infrastructure. According to MP Bharat, this restructuring aligns with the aspirations of the people of Visakhapatnam and will serve as a catalyst for faster railway development, increased connectivity, and better passenger amenities.

“With the creation of the Visakhapatnam Division, we will see enhanced railway infrastructure and a greater push for new projects with stronger financial backing from the Centre,” Bharat stated. The restructuring will not only improve passenger services but also facilitate the introduction of new trains and upgraded facilities, ensuring a smoother travel experience.

The South Coast Railway Zone was first announced in 2019, fulfilling a long-standing demand for a separate railway zone in Andhra Pradesh. However, delays in its implementation had led to growing concerns among the public and political leaders. With this latest development, the establishment of the new zone is now gaining momentum.

The addition of Vijayawada, Guntur, and Guntakal to the Visakhapatnam-headquartered zone ensures better administrative efficiency, improved logistics, and increased railway revenue for the region. Experts believe that this structural revamp will also enhance freight transportation, benefiting industries, ports, and local businesses.

Political leaders and railway officials have lauded the move, considering it a major boost for the development of Visakhapatnam as a key railway hub in South India. The decision to rename the Waltair Division while keeping its historical significance intact has been met with enthusiasm from railway employees and local residents.

Railway officials have assured that the operational transition will be smooth, and all efforts will be made to modernize infrastructure, increase train frequency, and ensure seamless connectivity between the four divisions.

With the formation of the South Coast Railway Zone nearing completion, the focus will now shift to allocating budgets, appointing key officials, and finalizing operational plans. Further announcements regarding new train services and infrastructure projects under the new zone are expected in the coming months.

The establishment of this railway zone marks a historic achievement for Andhra Pradesh and is set to redefine the railway network and economic landscape of the region.