The South Coast Railway zone has completed its first 100 days of operation, focusing on administrative consolidation and large-scale infrastructure projects. This development is significant as it aims to improve regional connectivity and passenger capacity across four key railway divisions.
First hundred days of operations
The South Coast Railway zone has officially marked 100 days since it began its operations.
Headquartered in Visakhapatnam, the zone oversees a vast network covering nearly 3,532 route kilometres and 6,455 track kilometres.
The zone spans four divisions: Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Guntakal and Guntur.
By consolidating these areas, the zone aims to provide more focused administrative oversight and better management of local railway assets.
Officials stated that the zone has become a growth engine for the region.
It anticipates an originating revenue of ₹15,500 crore while managing freight loading that exceeds 100 million tonnes annually.
Why this matters for the region
The establishment and development of this zone are vital for improving transport efficiency and safety.
By focusing on multi-tracking and yard remodelling, the railway aims to reduce congestion and improve the reliability of train services.
This is particularly important for managing the seasonal rush and large gatherings.
The zone regularly operates 10 pairs of festival specials alongside dedicated Jansadharan special trains across multiple routes.
- Passengers travelling through the Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Guntakal, and Guntur divisions.
- Commuters benefiting from the construction of over 300 road-over-bridges and road-under-bridges.
- Freight businesses relying on efficient rail logistics for the movement of goods.
- Travellers using the newly inaugurated Amrit Bharat stations.
- Residents near stations undergoing modernisation works.
How the zone was established
The zone was created to streamline administration across its four constituent divisions.
Currently, the zone operates from the VMRDA's Deck building in Siripuram while its permanent headquarters in Mudasarlova is under construction.
The permanent building is a ₹183.58-crore project featuring two basements and three floors.
It is expected to be completed by 2027, serving as the central hub for the zone's long-term administrative and operational activities.
Within the first two months, the zone secured several project sanctions.
These include the ₹300-crore Visakhapatnam Yard Remodelling Project and the ₹1,205-crore Guntakal-Ballari Quadrupling Project.
What happens next for the railway
The railway zone is currently managing a significant pipeline of infrastructure projects to enhance capacity and safety.
These works are expected to continue over the coming years as part of the broader development strategy.
- Completion of the permanent headquarters building in Mudasarlova by 2027.
- Commissioning of the first 100-km Kavach safety system section by the end of the year.
- Ongoing modernisation of 70 additional stations under the Amrit Bharat initiative.
- Execution of 24 multi-tracking works and 5 new railway line projects currently in progress.
As these projects move forward, the zone will continue to focus on decongesting busy hubs.
Specifically, augmentation works including third and fourth lines are planned at Simhachalam North and Renigunta.
Key facts at a glance
- Total value of railway projects currently under execution is ₹54,479 crore.
- Kavach safety systems have been installed on nearly 100 locomotives.
- Three Amrit Bharat stations were inaugurated at Rayanapadu, Mangalagiri and Cumbum.
- Future pipeline projects are valued at approximately ₹70,865 crore.
- Over 300 road-over-bridges and road-under-bridges are under construction.
- The Visakhapatnam Yard Remodelling Project is valued at ₹300 crore.
Read the news report this explainer is based on: South Coast Railway completes 100 days; ₹54,479 crore of projects under way.
Source: Ebenezer News Explainer Desk · Ebenezer News Explainer Desk. Published 16 Oct 2026, 03:33 am.
