Railway Board initiates steps to finalise site for SCoR headquarters

It has appointed an OSD for the proposed zone to oversee the upcoming infrastructure and ongoing activities related to its formation

Visakhapatnam: The Railway Board has expedited its initiatives to decide on the site for the office of the general manager of the proposed South Coast Railway Zone (SCoR) in Visakhapatnam.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday for a roadshow and launch of multiple rail and other projects, virtually laid the foundation stone of this new railway zone.

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“Land parcels have been allocated at two different places in Visakhapatnam but we are yet to get clarity on the site for headquarters office for zone and staff quarters,” a railway official from the East Coast Railway Zone said.

The Railway Board has already appointed an OSD for the proposed zone to oversee the upcoming infrastructure and ongoing activities related to its formation. The Indian Railways has 17 zones and 69 divisions with Jammu being the newest and the South Coast (SCoR) will be the 18th zone post-final demarcation of areas in progress.
The officials said that parts of three railway zones — East Coast Railway, South Central Railway, and Southern Railway — will be carved out to form SCoR.

Announced in February 2019, the purpose of creating SCoR is to improve operational efficiency and provide focused service to the growing passenger and freight demands in the region.

“The aim is to improve railway connectivity, efficiency, and regional development in southern Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema,” said an ECoR official, adding that its headquarters would be located in Visakhapatnam making it a strategic hub for operations.
The officials said it will cover a significant portion of Andhra Pradesh, including parts of Telangana and Tamil Nadu.

Regarding its economic impact, a section of experts believe that it will support industrial and agricultural growth in the region, enhance logistics for major ports like Visakhapatnam as well as Krishnapatnam, and boost tourism in Tirupati and other cultural landmarks in Andhra Pradesh.