India’s 18th Railway Zone: South Coast Railway

VISAKHAPATNAM – Marking the end of a four-decade wait, the Ministry of Railways officially announced on Monday that the South Coast Railway (SCoR) zone will become fully operational on June 1. Headquartered in Visakhapatnam, SCoR becomes India’s 18th railway zone, fulfilling a critical statutory commitment under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.

Structural Integration

The new zone is designed to streamline rail operations across the region by integrating several key divisions. The infrastructure footprint includes:

• Integrated Divisions: Guntakal, Guntur, and Vijayawada.
• New Addition: A newly formed 410-km Visakhapatnam division.
• Infrastructure Scope: Part of a broader ₹1.06 lakh crore investment in Andhra Pradesh, aimed at achieving 100% electrification and the redevelopment of 74 stations.

An Economic Powerhouse

The strategic significance of the South Coast Railway is reflected in its massive contribution to national logistics. Even before its official launch, the regional network has proven to be a heavy hitter in the freight sector:

• Freight Volume (FY 2025-26): 286 million tonnes.
• National Impact: The zone accounts for 17% of India’s total railway loading, making it a vital artery for the country’s industrial and trade corridors.

“A Promise Kept”

The announcement has been met with significant political and public approval. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu hailed the notification as a landmark moment for the state.

“The creation of the SCoR zone is a ‘promise kept’ by the NDA government at both the State and the Centre,” Naidu stated, emphasizing that the move addresses a “long-cherished demand” that had been pending for over 40 years.

The operationalization of SCoR is expected to enhance administrative efficiency, improve passenger amenities, and provide a dedicated focus on the unique transport needs of the Andhra coast.