Railways – South Coast Railway Begins Operations, AP Industry Seeks Expanded Services
Railways – The launch of operations under the South Coast Railway (SCoR) Zone from June 1, 2026, has been welcomed as a major development for Andhra Pradesh, with industry representatives describing it as a long-awaited step toward strengthening the state’s railway network. The Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry Federation (AP Chambers) conveyed its views in a representation submitted to newly appointed SCoR General Manager Sandip Mathur, highlighting the significance of the new zone for the state’s economic and transportation needs.
Long-Pending Demand Finally Materialises
According to AP Chambers president Potluri Bhaskara Rao, the formal commencement of the South Coast Railway Zone represents the fulfilment of a demand that had remained pending for several years. He noted that the establishment of the zone holds special importance because it was one of the key commitments made under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act. The beginning of full-scale operations is expected to provide greater administrative focus on the state’s railway requirements and support future infrastructure planning.
Concerns Over Existing Railway Infrastructure
While welcoming the new development, the industry body pointed out that Andhra Pradesh continues to face several challenges related to railway connectivity and service expansion. AP Chambers stated that some of the state’s major railway divisions contribute significantly to Indian Railways’ revenue generation. Despite this strong performance, the state has not received railway infrastructure and train services proportional to its growing passenger and industrial needs.
The organisation observed that both the Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam railway divisions rank among the important revenue contributors within the national railway network. However, concerns remain regarding limited connectivity options, infrastructure upgrades, and the availability of adequate train services connecting the state with major parts of the country.
Need for Better Connectivity Across Divisions
The representation also highlighted the importance of strengthening railway facilities in other divisions, including Guntur and Guntakal. AP Chambers stated that increasing passenger traffic and expanding industrial activity are creating additional pressure on the existing railway system. Improved infrastructure and enhanced connectivity in these regions would help support economic growth while providing better travel options for residents and businesses.
Industry representatives stressed that railway expansion should be aligned with the state’s development goals. They argued that stronger rail links can contribute to trade, tourism, logistics, and investment opportunities across Andhra Pradesh.
Demand for Additional Long-Distance Trains
A major request submitted to the South Coast Railway administration concerns the introduction of more originating train services from Vijayawada. AP Chambers urged railway authorities to consider launching additional trains connecting the city with several major destinations across India.
Among the destinations suggested were Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Kochi, Ahmedabad and Pune, along with other important urban centres. The industry body noted that travel demand from Andhra Pradesh has increased steadily in recent years due to business activity, employment opportunities, education and tourism.
According to the representation, expanding train services from Vijayawada would not only improve passenger convenience but also strengthen the state’s integration with key economic regions across the country. AP Chambers expressed hope that the newly formed railway zone would address these priorities and focus on improving transportation infrastructure in line with future requirements.
With the South Coast Railway Zone now operational, stakeholders across Andhra Pradesh are looking forward to enhanced railway planning, better connectivity and expanded services that can support both public mobility and economic growth in the years ahead.