Visakhapatnam: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced that the Gazette Notification for the formation of the South Coastal Railway Zone will be issued, with June 1, 2026 set as the effective date. The announcement was made during an event in Visakhapatnam following the ground-breaking ceremony of the Google Cloud India AI Hub.
The move marks a significant administrative restructuring aimed at strengthening railway operations and governance in Andhra Pradesh.
South Coastal Railway Zone to Strengthen Rail Administration
The proposed South Coastal Railway Zone is expected to improve operational efficiency and regional connectivity in Andhra Pradesh.
The Railway Minister said the new zone will play a key role in enhancing infrastructure development, passenger services, and freight operations across the region.
Read also: Ashwini Vaishnaw Announces New Railway Refund Rules, Boarding Point and Upgrade Facilities Expanded
Record ₹10,134 Crore Railway Budget for Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh has received a record railway budget allocation of ₹10,134 crore, a major jump from earlier allocations of ₹886 crore when Andhra Pradesh and Telangana were combined.
The Minister highlighted that this increased funding reflects the government’s focus on accelerating railway modernisation in the state.
₹1.06 Lakh Crore Railway Projects Under Execution
Currently, railway projects worth approximately ₹1,06,000 crore are under execution in Andhra Pradesh. These projects aim to:
- Improve connectivity to ports and industrial hubs
- Strengthen links with tourism destinations
- Enhance connectivity to major cities across the state
Major Infrastructure Expansion Across Railway Network
The Minister shared key progress updates on railway infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh:
- 74 railway stations being redeveloped
- 832 flyovers and underpasses completed
- 299 flyovers and underpasses under construction
- 1,759 km of railway track completed
- 3,300 km of railway track under construction
These developments are part of a large-scale modernisation push across the railway network.
Andhra Pradesh Achieves 100% Railway Electrification
A major milestone announced was that Andhra Pradesh has achieved 100% railway electrification, placing it among the leading states in railway modernisation.
The Minister said this achievement will significantly improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and lower operational costs.
Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat Train Expansion
Passenger services in the state have also seen significant growth:
- 16 Vande Bharat trains operating in Andhra Pradesh
- 22 Amrit Bharat train services introduced
These services have improved speed, comfort, and connectivity for passengers across the state.
East Coast Corridor to Become Four-Line Network
The entire East Coast Railway Corridor is being upgraded into a four-line network.
Key benefits include:
- Doubling of rail capacity
- Operation of up to 500 additional trains
- Improved freight and passenger movement efficiency
Boost to Cargo and Logistics Connectivity
Railway freight infrastructure is also being strengthened to support economic growth.
The upgraded network will enhance:
- Port connectivity
- Industrial freight movement
- Tourism-based transport corridors
- Major city logistics integration
Proposed High-Speed Rail “Diamond Network”
The Minister also outlined proposed high-speed rail connectivity projects across southern India, including:
- Amaravati–Hyderabad: ~70 minutes
- Amaravati–Chennai: ~112 minutes
- Hyderabad–Pune: ~1 hour 55 minutes
- Pune–Mumbai: ~48 minutes
- Chennai–Bengaluru: ~73 minutes
- Hyderabad–Bengaluru: ~2 hours 8 minutes
He described the plan as a “High-Speed Diamond Network”, aimed at transforming regional mobility and economic integration.
Vision for Andhra Pradesh as Railway and Logistics Hub
The Union Minister stated that the Centre is committed to transforming Andhra Pradesh into a major railway and logistics hub through sustained investment and infrastructure expansion.
He emphasized balanced regional development and said ongoing projects will drive long-term economic growth and connectivity across southern India.
