The South Coast Railway Zone: A New Era in Andhra Pradesh's Rail Network

What is the South Coast Railway zone?

The South Coast Railway (SCoR) is a newly established railway zone aimed at improving operational efficiency, particularly benefiting the state of Andhra Pradesh.

Where is the headquarters of the South Coast Railway zone?

The headquarters of the South Coast Railway zone is situated in Visakhapatnam.

Why was the Waltair division renamed?

The previous name, ‘Waltair,’ was linked to colonial history. Renaming it to the Visakhapatnam division emphasizes a commitment to local identity and heritage.

What is the difference between the Visakhapatnam division and the South Coast Railway zone?

• Visakhapatnam Division: A smaller section measuring 410 km, which remains under the South Coast Railway zone.
• South Coast Railway Zone: A larger administrative entity with its headquarters in Visakhapatnam, overseeing multiple divisions, including the newly named Visakhapatnam division.

What are the key changes in simple terms?

• Part of the Waltair division (410 km) is retained as the Visakhapatnam division under the South Coast Railway zone.
• The remaining section of the Waltair division (680 km) is restructured into a new division headquartered in Rayagada under the East Coast Railway.
• The South Coast Railway zone headquarters is officially established in Visakhapatnam.

Which regions are included in the Visakhapatnam division?

This division encompasses regions such as Palasa, Visakhapatnam, Duvvada, Vizianagaram, along with significant sites like the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant.

What is the significance of this restructuring?

This restructuring aligns with the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, enhancing administrative efficiency while promoting regional connectivity and growth.