Under this revision, a 410 km section of the Waltair division, covering key railway routes such as Palasa-Vishakhapatnam-Duvvada and Vishakhapatnam Steel Plant-Jaggayapalem, will continue as part of the South Coast Railway Zone and will now be known as Vishakhapatnam division. Meanwhile, the remaining 680 km of the division will be separated and restructured into a new railway division under the East Coast Railway Zone, with its headquarters in Rayagada.
The restructuring aims to improve operational efficiency, enhance railway administration, and fulfill commitments made under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act.
The move aligns with the government’s efforts to streamline railway operations and enhance administrative efficiency.
The South Coast Railway Zone, headquartered in Vishakhapatnam, was initially proposed on February 28, 2019. However, following consultations and demands from stakeholders, the government decided to retain a portion of the Waltair division within the new zone while reallocating the remaining sections to the East Coast Railway Zone.
The newly named Vishakhapatnam division, which was previously known as Waltair division, consists of significant railway routes, including:
- Palasa-Vishakhapatnam-Duvvada
- Kuneru-Vizianagaram
- Naupada Jn.-Paralakhemundi
- Bobbili Jn.-Salur
- Simhachalam North-Duvvada bypass
- Vadalapudi-Duvvada
- Vishakhapatnam Steel Plant-Jaggayapalem
The Cabinet’s decision also paves the way for the creation of a new Rayagada Railway Division under the East Coast Railway Zone. This division will cover approximately 680 km and include key sections such as:
- Kottavalasa-Bacheli
- Kuneru-Theruvali Jn.
- Singapur Rd.-Koraput Jn.
- Paralakhemundi-Gunpur
The establishment of this division is aimed at improving administrative efficiency and addressing the growing operational demands in the region. Rayagada, being a key railway hub, will now serve as the headquarters for this division, enhancing accessibility and governance.
“Retention of Waltair division even in its truncated form will meet the demand and aspirations of the people of the area,” the government said.
