Introduction – A Landmark Shift in Indian Railways
The Indian Railways is on the brink of one of its most significant reorganizations in recent decades — the formation of the South Coast Railway Zone (SCoR). With headquarters set in Visakhapatnam, this new zone will reshape the railway map of South India, streamlining operations, improving freight efficiency, and enhancing passenger services.
As of August 2025, the process has accelerated: PHOD (Principal Heads of Department) appointments are underway, and the official notification is expected within weeks. If timelines hold, the “Appointed Day” — the date from which the new zone will function independently — could arrive by December 2025 or January 2026, coinciding with Sankranti.
This transformation, which stems from years of lobbying, operational studies, and political negotiations, will see the South Central Railway (SCR) and East Coast Railway (ECoR) cede certain divisions and routes to create the new entity.
Why the South Coast Railway Zone is Being Created
The formation of SCoR addresses multiple operational and economic needs:
- Operational efficiency: The South Central Railway zone currently handles an enormous geographical area and workload. Splitting its divisions reduces administrative overload.
- Passenger service improvement: A dedicated zone headquartered in Andhra Pradesh allows faster decision-making and better allocation of resources for local needs.
- Freight corridor optimization: Coal transportation, industrial freight, and port connectivity in Andhra Pradesh’s coastal belt will become more streamlined.
- Regional development: A railway headquarters in Visakhapatnam is expected to boost employment, real estate, and business activity in the region.
Current Status – Recruitment of PHODs and Preparations
The groundwork is almost complete:
- General Manager appointed: In June 2025, Sandeep Mathur was appointed GM of the new zone by the Railway Board.
- Department heads being posted:
- Principal Chief Electrical Engineer (PCEE) – A.P. Sharma appointed in August 2025
- Principal Chief Mechanical Engineer (PCME) – Amit Gupta appointed earlier this month
- Finance head – An existing senior officer from East Coast Railway has been given additional charge
- More PHOD positions — including Operations, Commercial, Security (RPF), Vigilance, Civil Engineering, Construction, Signal & Telecom, Personnel, and Stores — will be filled in the coming weeks.
Once these postings are complete, the Railway Board will issue the formal notification for the new zone.
Expected Timeline – From Notification to Appointed Day
According to senior railway sources, the schedule is as follows:
- Notification release – Likely by the end of August 2025 or early September 2025.
- Post-notification transition period – 3 to 4 months for staff reallocation, asset division, and operational adjustments.
- Appointed Day – Expected in December 2025 or January 2026.
From that date forward, the South Central Railway and South Coast Railway will operate independently, each with its own administrative and operational control.
Geographical Restructuring – What Changes Where
The reorganization involves a significant shuffle of divisions and sections:
South Central Railway after restructuring
- Will be reduced from 6 divisions to 3.
- Will retain Secunderabad, Hyderabad, and Nanded divisions.
- Will transfer certain routes and divisions to the new zone.
South Coast Railway composition
- Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Guntur, and Guntakal divisions will form the backbone of the new zone.
- Will include portions from East Coast Railway (Bhubaneswar HQ) and South Central Railway.
Key Track Transfers and Their Impact
Raichur–Wadi Section (108 km)
- Current status: Under Guntakal Division.
- After change: Shifted to Secunderabad Division.
- Impact:
- Reduces interchange points between Karnataka and Telangana from two to one.
- Simplifies coal transport to Yadlapur and Yermarus thermal plants.
Vishnupuram–Pagidipalli & Vishnupuram–Janpahad Sections (142 km)
- Current status: Part of Guntur Division.
- After change: Shifted to Secunderabad Division.
- Impact:
- Ensures uninterrupted coal movement from Singareni coalfields to Vishnupuram.
Kondapalli–Motumarru Section (46 km)
- Current status: Secunderabad Division.
- After change: Moved to Vijayawada Division.
- Impact:
- Streamlines coal transport to NTPC’s Narla Tata Rao power plant.
Strategic Importance for Freight Movement
Coal transport is central to this reorganization.
- Singareni coalfields in Telangana feed multiple power plants in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
- Dedicated freight planning within the new zone will reduce congestion and improve turnaround times.
- Port connectivity — especially to Visakhapatnam Port, Gangavaram Port, and Krishnapatnam Port — will be strengthened.
Passenger Benefits – What Travellers Can Expect
- Improved punctuality – Smaller zones can better manage train schedules.
- Faster approvals for new services – Proposals from Andhra Pradesh divisions will no longer compete with SCR’s broader demands.
- Better maintenance – Locomotive sheds, workshops, and stations in the coastal belt will receive more focused attention.
- Regional representation – Passenger associations expect quicker responses to grievances.
Historical Background – How We Got Here
The idea for a South Coast Railway Zone is not new. It has been on the table since 2019, when the Railway Board first approved its creation as part of the 2019 Railway Budget. However, implementation was delayed due to:
- The COVID-19 pandemic
- Complex asset-sharing negotiations between zones
- Political lobbying over headquarters location
- Deliberations on freight corridor allocations
Visakhapatnam was chosen over Vijayawada as HQ due to its port access, existing railway infrastructure, and better scope for expansion.
Challenges Ahead
While the benefits are clear, there are potential hurdles:
- Staff redistribution disputes – Employees may have preferences for remaining in their current divisions.
- Infrastructure upgrades – Some transferred sections require modernization to handle projected freight loads.
- Budget allocations – The initial years will require significant investment in offices, signaling, and rolling stock.
Economic Impact on Andhra Pradesh
The creation of the South Coast Railway Zone is expected to:
- Generate direct employment for hundreds of railway staff in administrative roles.
- Boost real estate demand in Visakhapatnam.
- Improve industrial freight logistics for cement, steel, and agriculture sectors.
- Strengthen tourism connectivity to destinations like Araku Valley, Vizag beaches, and Tirupati.
Conclusion – A New Era for Coastal Railways
The South Coast Railway Zone is more than an administrative reshuffle — it’s a strategic reimagining of railway operations in South India. For passengers, it promises better services; for industries, faster freight movement; and for the region, a stronger economic backbone.
If the current timeline holds, Andhra Pradesh will welcome its very own dedicated railway zone before the new year — a milestone in the state’s transportation history.
