The Ministry of Railways has formally issued the gazette notification for the South Coast Railway (SCoR) zone on May 4, 2026. This move officially establishes the 18th railway zone in the Indian Railways network, with its headquarters based in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The new zone is set to become fully operational for administrative and rail functions starting June 1, 2026. This announcement fulfills a statutory commitment under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, and a demand that has persisted for over four decades.
Which divisions will come under the South Coast Railway?
The South Coast Railway will be formed by integrating several existing and newly created divisions. This restructuring aims to improve the efficiency of railway administration in the southern coastal region. The transition involves the following changes:
- Guntakal, Guntur, and Vijayawada: These three divisions will be transferred from the South Central Railway to the new SCoR zone.
- Visakhapatnam Division: A new Visakhapatnam division will be created, incorporating parts of the former Waltair division.
- East Coast Railway: A new Rayagada division will be established under the East Coast Railway to balance operations after the reorganization.
- Staffing: Nearly 17,000 personnel are projected to manage the operations of this new zone.
What are the infrastructure and development plans for the new zone?
The establishment of the South Coast Railway is backed by a massive investment plan to modernize the rail network in Andhra Pradesh. The Union Government has already completed the administrative appointments for key senior positions to ensure a smooth transition by June. The following table highlights the key development metrics for the new zone:
| Project Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Infrastructure Investment | ₹1.06 lakh crore |
| Electrification Goal | 100% Electrification of tracks |
| Station Redevelopment | 74 Railway stations to be upgraded |
| Operational Start Date | June 1, 2026 |
| Zonal Headquarters | Visakhapatnam |
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the zonal headquarters building in January 2025. This new administrative setup is expected to boost industrial growth and enhance the transportation network across North Andhra and the surrounding regions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When will the South Coast Railway zone become operational?
The South Coast Railway (SCoR) zone will formally begin its administrative and rail operations from June 1, 2026, following the gazette notification issued on May 4, 2026.
Which divisions will be part of the South Coast Railway?
The new zone will include the Guntakal, Guntur, and Vijayawada divisions from South Central Railway, along with a newly created Visakhapatnam division.
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