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South Coastal Railway Zone to Launch on June 1: Ashwini Vaishnaw

The South Coastal Railway Zone will become operational from June 1, following a gazette notification by the government. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced a record railway budget allocation of Rs 10,134 crore for Andhra Pradesh. The state has achieved 100% electrification of its railway network, with 74 stations being redeveloped. A proposed "High-Speed Diamond" corridor aims to connect Amaravati, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru with reduced travel times.

Key Points: South Coastal Railway Zone Operational from June 1

  • South Coastal Railway Zone becomes operational June 1
  • Record Rs 10,134 crore budget for Andhra Pradesh
  • 100% railway electrification achieved
  • High-Speed Diamond corridors proposed
2 min read

South Coastal Railway Zone to become operational from June 1: Ashwini Vaishnaw

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announces South Coastal Railway Zone effective June 1, with Rs 10,134 crore budget for Andhra Pradesh.

"Andhra Pradesh has received a record railway budget allocation of Rs. 10,134 crore - Ashwini Vaishnaw"

Visakhapatnam, April 28

The government will issue a gazette notification creating the South Coastal Railway Zone, effective June 1, which is a significant step toward strengthening railway administration in Andhra Pradesh, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Tuesday.

Andhra Pradesh has received a record railway budget allocation of Rs. 10,134 crore as projects worth about Rs. 1,06,000 crore are underway across the state, aimed at enhancing connectivity across the state, including links to ports, tourism destinations, and major cities, the minister said.

Andhra Pradesh's railway budget allocation of Rs 10,134 crore is a substantial increase compared to the Rs 886 crore allocated in earlier years for the combined states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Vaishnaw made the announcement at a ceremony of Google Cloud India AI Hub at Visakhapatnam, adding that 74 stations are being reconstructed and fully redeveloped. The minister announced that Andhra Pradesh has achieved 100 per cent electrification of its railway network, positioning it among the leading regions in railway modernisation.

He mentioned infrastructure works in Andhra Pradesh, such as 832 flyovers and underpasses being completed, 299 under construction, 1,759 kilometres of track finished and 3,300 kilometres under construction.

Vaishnaw outlined a proposed "High‑Speed Diamond" of southern corridors with expected travel times, including Amaravati to Hyderabad in about 70 minutes, Amaravati to Chennai in around 112 minutes, and Chennai to Bengaluru in about 73 minutes.

The minister mentioned that 16 Vande Bharat trains and 22 Amrit Bharat train services currently serve the state, improving travel efficiency and comfort.

Further, he said that the entire East Coast Railway Corridor is being upgraded to a four-line network, which is expected to double capacity and enable the operation of up to 500 new trains.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The 100% electrification is a huge achievement! Hope this helps reduce diesel pollution. But I'm still waiting for better local train services in tier-2 cities like Kakinada and Rajahmundry. 🙏
V
Varun X
Good for Andhra, but 74 stations in redevelopment? Let's see if they actually finish on time. We've heard such promises before. Also, Amaravati-Hyderabad in 70 min sounds like a distant dream with current land acquisition issues.
S
Suresh O
I'm thrilled about the South Coastal Railway Zone! This will streamline operations and ensure our state's specific needs are addressed. The budget jump from Rs 886 crore to Rs 10,134 crore shows real commitment. 👏
A
Aman W
High-Speed Diamond sounds great on paper, but what about the common man's daily commute? Vande Bharat is nice for long distance, but we need more suburban trains in Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada. Basic amenities still lacking at many stations. 😕
K
Karthik V
Finally, some long-overdue attention to Andhra's railway infrastructure! The 832 flyovers and 1,759 km of track completed are impressive numbers. Let's hope the new zone brings faster decision-making for pending projects in Rayalaseema region too.
N
Neha E

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