Historic Milestone for Indian Railways as South Coast Railway Becomes Operational

A new chapter in the history of Indian Railways began today with the operational launch of the newly formed South Coast Railway (SCoR), headquartered in Visakhapatnam. Marking the occasion, General Manager Shri Sandeep Mathur welcomed officers and employees joining the new railway zone and outlined the vision for its future growth and development. Addressing senior officials, Shri Sandeep Mathur stated that the creation of South Coast Railway is aimed at improving administrative efficiency, strengthening operational effectiveness, and enhancing passenger and freight services. He emphasized that the new zone will play a crucial role in accelerating infrastructure development and supporting the economic growth of the region. A key highlight of the event was the unveiling of the System Map of South Coast Railway, depicting the jurisdiction and network of the newly established zone. Describing the formation of a new railway zone as a rare and significant milestone in Indian Railways, the General Manager said it represents a renewed commitment to efficiency, modernization, and superior service delivery. Reaffirming the importance of safety, Shri Sandeep Mathur chaired a comprehensive Safety Review Meeting and declared that safety would remain the foremost priority of South Coast Railway. He stressed that while operational excellence and infrastructure expansion are important objectives, safety must continue to guide every aspect of railway operations. During the meeting, Divisional Railway Managers presented detailed overviews of their respective divisions joining the new zone. Discussions focused on asset management, human resource planning, operational challenges, and measures required for seamless integration and improved performance. The meeting was attended by Shri Lalit Bohra, Divisional Railway Manager, Visakhapatnam Division; Shri Mohit Sonakiya, Divisional Railway Manager, Vijayawada Division; Smt Sudeshna Sen, Divisional Railway Manager, Guntur Division; and Shri Chandra Shekhar Gupta, Divisional Railway Manager, Guntakal Division, along with Principal Heads of Departments (PHODs) and senior officers. Detailed deliberations were held on operational safety, infrastructure maintenance, safety audits, accident prevention strategies, crew counseling, inspection drives, and strengthening safety practices across the zone. The General Manager directed all departments to work in close coordination and ensure strict compliance with safety protocols to achieve the highest standards of safe train operations. Expressing confidence in the capabilities of the workforce, Shri Sandeep Mathur said that teamwork, dedication, and a shared vision would help South Coast Railway emerge as one of the most efficient and progressive railway zones in the country. He called upon employees to remain committed to delivering safe, reliable, and customer-centric railway services. The commencement of operations of South Coast Railway marks the beginning of a transformative journey, paving the way for enhanced connectivity, improved passenger experiences, stronger freight operations, and sustained regional development.