South Coast Railway Zone Officially Announced..

The central government has officially announced the formation of the South Coast Railway Zone through a gazette notification. The new zone will come into effect from June 1, 2026, with Visakhapatnam set as its headquarters. It is being formed by reorganizing parts of the existing East Coast Railway and South Central Railway zones, bringing divisions like Guntakal, Guntur, and Vijayawada under its control.

A key highlight of the decision is the bifurcation of the Waltair division. One part will become the new Rayagada division under East Coast Railway, while the remaining will be converted into the Visakhapatnam division under the South Coast Railway Zone. Officials believe these changes will improve operational efficiency, strengthen administration, and accelerate railway development in Andhra Pradesh.