PM Modi To Lay Foundation For South Coastal Railway HQ In Visakhapatnam—Here's Why It Is Important For North Andhra Pradesh

The long-awaited dream of the people in North Andhra is set to become a reality, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to lay the foundation stone for the South Coastal Railway (S Co R) Zonal Headquarters in Visakhapatnam on 8 January.

This marks a significant milestone for the region, which has been fighting for a dedicated railway zone headquartered in Visakhapatnam for decades.

Rail activists and trade union leaders, who have been at the forefront of the struggle, are welcoming the development but caution that it is not time for complacency. 

They point to the challenges that have already plagued the Waltair Division, such as the insufficient allocation of funds, unfilled vacancies, and the delay in laying new lines. They emphasixe the immediate need to ensure that the S Co R becomes operational without further delays.

Former General Secretary of East Coast Railway Shramik Union, Chalasani Gandhi, expressed concerns over the delayed operationalisation of the new zone, stating that vacancies in the Waltair Division are being transferred to Odisha’s Khurda and Sambalpur Divisions. 

Gandhi has raised this issue with Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat, who has taken it up with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

To address these concerns, Gandhi suggested that existing railway buildings, such as the newly constructed five-storey Gati Shakti building near the railway station, be used for the S Co R General Manager’s office until the new headquarters building is completed.

There are several urgent issues that need attention, including the continuation of the Waltair Division with its headquarters in Visakhapatnam, and the fast-tracking of the Detailed Project Report (DPR), which is still awaiting approval from the Railway Board. 

Furthermore, railway assets like the Diesel Loco Shed, Electric Loco Shed, and Wagon Repair Shop (WRS) are based in Visakhapatnam, necessitating the presence of divisional-level officials to ensure smoother coordination with industries in the area.

The Master Plan for the S Co R Headquarters, estimated to cost Rs 154.82 crore, envisions a nine-floor building with a ground floor and two basement parking levels for 200 cars and 215 two-wheelers. This construction is expected to provide a modern and efficient working environment for the railway zone, further enhancing the region's infrastructural and economic development.