Why is the South Coast Railway Zone in News?

The Ministry of Railways has issued a gazette notification for the creation of the South Coast Railway (SCoR), making it India’s 18th railway zone.

• The newly formed South Coast Railway Zone will have its headquarters at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

The zone is scheduled to become fully operational from June 1, 2026. The move fulfils a long-pending demand of Andhra Pradesh and also implements a commitment made under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.

Key Highlights of South Coast Railway Zone

Formation of the New Zone

The South Coast Railway Zone has been created by reorganising parts of the existing railway zones:

• South Central Railway (SCR)
• East Coast Railway (ECoR)

This administrative restructuring aims to improve railway operations, connectivity, and regional development in Andhra Pradesh.

Divisions Included in SCoR

The new railway zone will consist of:

• Vijayawada Division (transferred from SCR)
• Guntur Division (transferred from SCR)
• Guntakal Division (transferred from SCR)
• Newly formed Visakhapatnam Division

These divisions are strategically important for passenger and freight transportation in South India.

Practice Questions

1. Which city has been selected as the headquarters of the South Coast Railway Zone?
   • a) Vijayawada
   • b) Visakhapatnam
   • c) Guntur
   • d) Tirupati
2. The South Coast Railway Zone became India’s ______ railway zone.
   • a) 16th
   • b) 17th
   • c) 18th
   • d) 19th
3. Which railway division was bifurcated for the creation of the South Coast Railway Zone?
   • a) Vijayawada Division
   • b) Waltair Division
   • c) Guntakal Division
   • d) Secunderabad Division
4. Under which Act was the commitment for a separate railway zone to Andhra Pradesh made?
   • a) Railway Act, 1989
   • b) Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014
   • c) States Reorganisation Act, 1956
   • d) Indian Railways Act, 2005

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