South Coast Railway Zone Established After Ten Years; Headquarters in Visakhapatnam, Operations Set to Begin on June 1

India is set to establish its 18th railway zone, which will be headquartered in Visakhapatnam, effective June 1, 2026. This new zone will be formed by reorganizing sections of the existing East Coast Railway and South Central Railway zones. The restructured zone will incorporate key railway divisions, including Guntakal, Guntur, Vijayawada, and a new division in Visakhapatnam.

The creation of this railway zone aims to enhance operational efficiency and improve train connectivity in the coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh. This move is expected to support regional economic growth by facilitating better transportation of goods and passengers. With the establishment of the new zone, infrastructure development and job opportunities are also anticipated, contributing to the overall development of the railway network in the area. Further details on the operational guidelines and implementation plan are expected to be released by the Indian Railways in the coming months.