The Centre has announced that the Gazette Notification for the creation of the South Coastal Railway Zone will be issued, with 1 June 2026 being notified as the effective date, marking a key administrative restructuring for railway operations in Andhra Pradesh.
The announcement was made by Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw while addressing a gathering in Visakhapatnam on 28 April 2026. The move is expected to strengthen railway administration and improve operational efficiency in the state.
Andhra Pradesh has also recorded a significant rise in railway investments, with a budget allocation of ₹10,134 crore, compared to ₹886 crore allocated earlier for the combined states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Railway projects worth approximately ₹1,06,000 crore are currently under implementation, focusing on improving connectivity to ports, tourism hubs, and major cities.
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As part of the infrastructure push, 74 railway stations in the state are being redeveloped, which has been described as a historic effort. The state has also seen substantial progress in track and connectivity infrastructure, with 1,759 Km of railway track completed and 3,300 Km currently under construction. Additionally, 832 flyovers and underpasses have been completed, while 299 are under construction.
The Minister stated that Andhra Pradesh has achieved 100 per cent electrification of its railway network, placing it among the leading regions in railway modernisation. Passenger services have also expanded, with 16 Vande Bharat trains and 22 Amrit Bharat trains currently operating in the state, improving travel speed and comfort.
On the broader network upgrade, the East Coast Railway Corridor is being expanded into a four-line network, which is expected to double capacity and enable the operation of up to 500 additional trains. Strengthening of cargo and container services is also underway to improve logistics connectivity across ports, industrial centres, and cities along the corridor.
The government also outlined plans for high-speed rail connectivity across southern corridors, with proposed travel times including Amaravati to Hyderabad in around 70 minutes, Chennai to Bengaluru in about 73 minutes, and Pune to Mumbai in approximately 48 minutes. The proposed network has been described as a “High-Speed Diamond” aimed at boosting regional mobility and economic integration.
The Centre stated that these initiatives are part of a broader effort to transform Andhra Pradesh into a major railway and logistics hub, with a focus on enhancing connectivity, improving infrastructure, and supporting long-term economic growth.
