South Coast Railway Set to Begin Operations from April 1
The South Coast Railway (SCoR), a long-pending demand of Andhra Pradesh, is set to become operational on April 1, 2026, with its headquarters in Visakhapatnam. The new zone will be carved out of the South-Central Railway and parts of the East Coast Railway, bringing divisions such as Vijayawada, Guntur, Guntakal, and a reorganised Visakhapatnam under one administrative system.
The zonal office will function from the VMRDA Deck Building, while work on the permanent headquarters at Mudasarlova is underway.
Officials said the new zone will improve efficiency, speed up project execution, and strengthen freight and passenger connectivity along the coastal corridor. The move fulfills a key commitment under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, though its implementation was delayed despite approval in 2019.
“The creation of a dedicated railway zone enables quicker decision-making and more focused regional planning,” said a senior railway official. An infrastructure expert added that decentralisation will better align railway development with regional economic needs and improve overall efficiency.
The SCoR will cover over 3,000 km and employ around 17,000 personnel. It will also bring structural changes to existing divisions, including the Waltair division. Railway staff have welcomed the move, saying it will improve coordination and day-to-day operations. “A dedicated zone will help resolve issues faster,” said a railway employee.
The new zone is expected to deliver strong economic benefits. Better rail connectivity to ports, industrial hubs, and freight corridors will reduce logistics costs and travel time, while boosting export competitiveness. Integration with Visakhapatnam Port is likely to further strengthen trade and support industrial growth.
“Efficient rail connectivity is a key driver of port-led development,” said an industry analyst.
Officials said the zone will also fast-track long-pending infrastructure projects, including new railway lines, doubling, electrification, and station upgrades. A transport planner noted that a dedicated administrative setup will improve monitoring, speed up approvals, and enhance accountability.
The development has been widely welcomed in North Andhra, where leaders and stakeholders see it as the result of years of sustained efforts. The region’s strong industrial base, including the steel plant and port, has long highlighted the need for focused rail infrastructure.
“This is a long-awaited step that will support balanced regional development,” said a public representative.
Analysts expect the new zone to attract investment and boost growth in real estate, tourism, and allied sectors. Improved connectivity will also benefit smaller towns by linking them more effectively to major urban and industrial centres.
“Better connectivity creates a ripple effect across multiple sectors,” said an economic expert.
Visakhapatnam is expected to emerge as a major railway hub, strengthening its role as both an administrative and economic centre in coastal Andhra Pradesh. The restructuring also reduces the jurisdiction and revenue base of the South Central Railway, marking a significant shift in the region’s railway administration.