Railways to Determine Site for South Coast Railway Zone Office Following PM Modi's Foundation Stone Ceremony

The Railway Board is speeding up efforts to determine the location for the general manager's office of the proposed South Coast Railway Zone in Visakhapatnam. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Visakhapatnam on Wednesday, virtually laid the foundation stone for this new railway zone while launching several rail and other projects. The Indian Railways currently has 17 zones and 69 divisions, with Jammu being the newest. The South Coast Railway (SCoR) will become the 18th zone once the final demarcation is completed.

Land parcels have been allocated at two sites in Visakhapatnam, but clarity on the headquarters and staff quarters is still pending, according to an East Coast Railway Zone official. An Officer on Special Duty (OSD) has already been appointed by the Railway Board to oversee infrastructure development and ongoing activities for this new zone. Officials have indicated that parts of three existing railway zones—East Coast Railway, South Central Railway, and Southern Railway—will be restructured to form SCoR.

Focus on Regional Development

Announced in February 2019, the creation of SCoR aims to enhance operational efficiency and address increasing passenger and freight demands in the region. An East Coast Railway official stated that improving railway connectivity and efficiency in southern Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema is a primary goal. The headquarters will be located in Visakhapatnam, positioning it as a strategic hub for operations.

The new zone will cover a substantial area of Andhra Pradesh, including parts of Telangana and Tamil Nadu. Experts believe that it will bolster industrial and agricultural growth in the region. It is also expected to enhance logistics for major ports like Visakhapatnam and Krishnapatnam and boost tourism in Tirupati and other cultural sites in Andhra Pradesh.

Challenges and Progress

Laying the foundation stone marks progress towards fulfilling a long-standing demand for a separate zone, especially after Andhra Pradesh's bifurcation, noted a railway official. However, there has been a significant delay over nearly six years as the Railways have struggled to finalise and demarcate the area for this zone.