In a major boost to infrastructure and regional development, Indian Railways has officially initiated the process to establish its 18th railway zone — the South Coast Railway (SCoR) — in the state of Andhra Pradesh. This move marks a significant milestone in the long-standing demand for better railway services and administrative convenience in the region.
The proposed railway zone will have its headquarters in Visakhapatnam, as earlier announced by former Railway Minister Piyush Goyal on February 27, 2019. The decision has now taken a concrete shape with the issuance of official tenders for setup and implementation.
The creation of the South Coast Railway zone is expected to drastically improve passenger convenience, streamline operations, and create better working conditions for railway employees. It will also result in increased investment in railway infrastructure, job creation, and enhanced rail connectivity — ultimately contributing to the economic growth of the region.
The zone will comprise key divisions carved out from the existing network, aligning administrative resources more closely with regional transportation demands. By decentralizing the operations, Indian Railways aims to deliver faster services, improved logistics, and more efficient governance.
This move not only reinforces Indian Railways’ commitment to regional equity but also lays a solid foundation for a more connected, developed Andhra Pradesh.
