Government Issues Gazette Notification for Major Railway Reorganisation

The Ministry of Railways has officially notified a significant restructuring of India’s railway network through a gazette notification. As part of this decision, a new railway zone—South Coast Railway—will become operational from June 1, 2026. The headquarters of this new zone will be located in Visakhapatnam.

This move marks one of the most important administrative overhauls in recent years, aimed at improving efficiency, coordination, and regional connectivity across eastern and southern India.

Formation of South Coast Railway Zone

The newly created South Coast Railway zone will be formed by reorganising sections from the existing East Coast Railway and South Central Railway zones. The restructuring is expected to streamline operations and reduce administrative load on the existing zones.

Under this new arrangement, Visakhapatnam will serve as the zonal headquarters, strengthening its role as a major railway hub in the region.

Rayagada to Become a New Railway Division

A key highlight of the restructuring is the creation of a new railway division in Rayagada under the East Coast Railway zone. This is being viewed as a major development for Odisha’s southern region.

The new Rayagada division will cover approximately 696 route kilometres, including important railway lines such as:

• Koraput – Singapur Road
• Kothavalasa – Kirandul
• Gunupur – Paralakhemundi

This expansion is expected to significantly improve railway connectivity in tribal and remote areas of southern Odisha.

Reorganisation of Waltair Division

As part of the restructuring, the existing Waltair division will be bifurcated. One part will be merged into the newly formed South Coast Railway zone, while another portion will be reorganised under the Visakhapatnam division.

This split is intended to enhance operational efficiency and better manage the growing railway traffic in the region.

Transfer of Key Railway Section

Another important change involves the transfer of the Palasa–Ichchapuram (53 km) railway section. This stretch will be moved from the Khurda Road division to the Visakhapatnam division under the South Coast Railway zone.

Officials believe this realignment will improve coordination and ensure smoother train operations between adjoining divisions.

Expected Benefits of the Restructuring

The Railway Ministry has stated that the reorganisation aims to:

• Improve operational efficiency
• Strengthen regional connectivity
• Enhance passenger and freight services
• Reduce administrative burden on existing zones
• Ensure better coordination between divisions

Boost for Odisha’s Rail Infrastructure

The creation of the Rayagada division is being seen as a major boost for Odisha’s railway infrastructure, especially in its southern and tribal regions. It is expected to accelerate development, improve accessibility, and support economic growth in previously underserved areas.

With the formation of the South Coast Railway zone and the new Rayagada division, India’s railway network is set for a major transformation. The restructuring reflects the government’s focus on decentralisation and improving regional rail efficiency, particularly in eastern and southern India.