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Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on April 28, 2026, that the South Coast Railway Zone (SCoR) with its headquarters in Visakhapatnam will be officially notified and operational from June 1, 2026.

This will be the 18th railway zone of Indian Railways. The long-pending demand, which gained momentum after the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act, aims to strengthen railway administration, improve operational efficiency, and accelerate infrastructure development across Andhra Pradesh and parts of neighboring states.

The zone is expected to bring better connectivity, faster project execution, and focused development in the region. Preparations including staffing and temporary office setup in Visakhapatnam are already in advanced stages. The government has been working on manpower, systems, and infrastructure to ensure smooth functioning from day one.

This development is being seen as a major boost for rail infrastructure in southern India, particularly benefiting Andhra Pradesh. Further details regarding divisions and jurisdiction will be clarified in the official gazette notification.