Centre notifies new South Coast Railway Zone with HQ at Visakhapatnam

For the India Railway Infrastructure Union Government has officially notified the creation of the new South Coast Railway Zone. It will have headquarters at Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. This new railway zoe will become operational from June 1,2026. The move is expected to improve the railway administration and strengthen regional connectivity, will enhance the operational efficiency in Andhra Pradesh and surrounding regions. This new zone has been formed through the reorganization of the existing East Coast Railway and South Central Railway under the provisions of the Railways Act, 1989.

What is New South Coast Railway Zone?

The South Coast Railway (SCoR) zone will include the existing Guntakal, Guntur and Vijayawada divisions which were earlier part of South Central Railway.

Additionally the reorganized portion of the Waltair division of the East Coast Railway will now become the Visakhapatnam division under the new zone.

At the same time the Centre has also approved the creation of the new Rayagada division under the East Coast Railway from June 1, 2026.

As part of this restructuring the existing Waltair division will be bifurcated into the two separate administrative divisions.

One part of the Waltair division will merge into the newly created Rayagada division under the East Coast Railway while the remaining portion will function as the Visakhapatnam division under South Coast Railway.

Major Railway Reorganization Under the New Structure

After the reorganization the East Coast Railway is headquartered at Bhubaneswar and will retain the Sambalpur division, reorganized Khurda Road division and the newly established Rayagada division.

Similarly the South Central Railway which is headquartered at Secunderabad will continue with the Hyderabad and Nanded divisions along with a reorganized Secunderabad division.

The Centre has also adjusted the jurisdictions of several railway divisions which includes the Guntur, Guntakal, Vijayawada and Secunderabad divisions and to improve the operational requirements and streamline railway administration.

Why the South Coast Railway Zone is Important

The creation of the separate South Coast Railway zone has long been a major demand in the Andhra Pradesh.

The new zone is expected to improve the railway management and will accelerate the infrastructure development in the coastal region.

By bringing the key railway divisions under one administrative structure the  government aims to improve coordination, passenger services, freight movement and project execution.

This move is also likely to support the industrial growth and port connectivity in Andhra Pradesh and particularly areas around Visakhapatnam which is one of India’s major port cities.

Understanding Railway Zones in India

Indian Railways is divided into the multiple railway zones for the efficient administration and operations.

Each Railway zone is headed by the General Manager and consists of several divisions.

Railway zones are created to improve the management efficiency, passenger convenience and operational coordination.

Over the years this new zones have been established to address increasing rail traffic and regional demands.