Safety to remain Cornerstone as South Coast Railway begins Operations from Visakhapatnam
Visakhapatnam, June 1 (TNT) :South Coast Railway (SCoR), India’s 18th newest railway zone, began operations from Visakhapatnam on Monday, with General Manager Sandeep Mathur declaring safety as the cornerstone of the zone’s functioning and convening its first comprehensive safety review meeting.
The commencement of operations marks a significant milestone in the history of Indian Railways, with the newly formed zone expected to enhance administrative efficiency, strengthen operational effectiveness and improve passenger and freight services across Andhra Pradesh and adjoining regions.
Welcoming officers and staff joining the new zone, Mathur said the formation of South Coast Railway would play a vital role in accelerating railway infrastructure development and supporting economic growth in the region.
“The creation of a new railway zone is a rare event in the history of Indian Railways. It signifies not only administrative restructuring but also a renewed commitment to efficiency, development and enhanced service delivery,” he said.
As part of the inaugural proceedings, the system map of South Coast Railway was formally unveiled, outlining the jurisdiction and network of the newly established zone headquartered in Visakhapatnam.
Underscoring the paramount importance of safety, the General Manager chaired a detailed safety review meeting and stressed that safety would remain the highest priority of the new zone.
He said that while operational performance and infrastructure expansion were important objectives, safety must continue to guide every aspect of railway functioning.
Divisional Railway Managers of the four divisions under the new zone — Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Guntur and Guntakal — made presentations on the integration process, asset management, human resource management and operational challenges requiring attention.
The meeting was attended by Divisional Railway Manager, Visakhapatnam, Lalit Bohra; Divisional Railway Manager, Vijayawada, Mohit Sonakiya; Divisional Railway Manager, Guntur, Sudeshna Sen; and Divisional Railway Manager, Guntakal, Chandra Shekhar Gupta, along with Principal Heads of Departments and senior officers from various branches.
Detailed discussions were held on operational safety, infrastructure maintenance, safety audits, accident prevention measures, crew counselling, inspection drives and strengthening safety practices across the zone.
Mathur directed all departments to work in close coordination and ensure strict adherence to safety protocols to achieve the highest standards of safe train operations.
Expressing confidence in the capabilities of the workforce, he said the collective efforts and teamwork of officers and employees would help South Coast Railway emerge as one of the most efficient and progressive railway zones in the country.
He called upon railway personnel to work with dedication and a shared commitment to providing safe, reliable and customer-friendly railway services.
The operationalisation of South Coast Railway marks the beginning of a new phase in rail transportation in the region and is expected to improve connectivity, boost freight and passenger services, and contribute to sustained economic development.
TNT KM
