SCoR zone to take effect from June 1, says Rly minister Vaishnaw

Visakhapatnam: The Union minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the gazette notification for the creation of South Coastal Railway (SCoR) Zone will be issued, with June 1 of this year being notified as the effective date. He indicated that this development marks a significant step towards strengthening railway administration in Andhra Pradesh. He said that AP achieved 100% electrification of its railway network, positioning it among the leading regions in railway modernisation.Addressing the gathering after the groundbreaking ceremony of Google Cloud India AI Hub here on Tuesday, Ashwini Vaishnaw explained that AP has received a record railway budget allocation of Rs 10,134 crore, a substantial increase compared to the Rs 886 crore allocated in earlier years for the combined states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. He revealed that railway projects worth approximately Rs 1,06,000 crore are currently underway in Andhra Pradesh, aimed at enhancing connectivity across the state, including links to ports, tourism destinations and major cities.74 stations being redevelopedReferring to infrastructure achievements, the minister highlighted that 74 railway stations in AP are being reconstructed and fully redeveloped, describing it as a historic accomplishment in the country. He said that 832 flyovers and underpasses have been completed, 299 flyovers and underpasses are under construction, 1,759 km of railway track has been completed, and 3,300 km of track is under construction.Minister mentioned passenger services by saying that 16 Vande Bharat trains and 22 Amrit Bharat train services currently serve the state, improving travel efficiency and comfort. Additionally, he stated 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.Railway minister emphasised that cargo and container train services are being strengthened to connect ports, tourism centres and major cities along the East Coast Corridor, thereby boosting logistics and economic growth. Addressing future high-speed connectivity, minister elaborated the proposed high-speed connectivity across major Southern Corridors along with travel time. He said it would take only 70 minutes for Amaravati to Hyderabad, 112 minutes from Amaravati to Chennai, one hour fifty five minutes from Hyderabad to Pune, two hours eight minutes from Hyderabad to Bengaluru, 48 minutes from Pune to Mumbai, and 73 minutes from Chennai to Bengaluru. The minister described this network as a ‘High-Speed Diamond', which will significantly enhance mobility, economic integration and regional growth across southern India. The minister said that these initiatives reflect the union govt's commitment to transform AP into a major railway and logistics hub, driving economic growth and regional integration. -Expanding rail connectivityAP has achieved 100% electrification of its railway network, placing it among leading modernised regions Railway projects worth Rs 1.06 lakh crore are underway, focusing on ports, tourism centres and major city connectivity 74 railway stations are being fully redeveloped, alongside completion of 832 flyovers/underpasses and construction of 299 more AP is currently served by 16 Vande Bharat and 22 Amrit Bharat trains, while the East Coast Corridor is being expanded to four lines Proposed high-speed "Diamond" rail network will sharply cut travel times, including 70 minutes from Amaravati to Hyderabad and 48 minutes from Pune to Mumbai