PM Modi to Lay Foundation Stone for South Coastal Railway Headquarters in Visakhapatnam—Here’s Why It Matters for North Andhra Pradesh
The long-standing aspiration of the people in North Andhra is set to materialize, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to lay the foundation stone for the South Coastal Railway (SCoR) Zonal Headquarters in Visakhapatnam on January 8.
This marks a pivotal moment for the region, which has long sought a dedicated railway zone with its headquarters in Visakhapatnam.
Rail activists and trade union leaders, who have championed this cause for decades, have welcomed the development but stressed the need for vigilance. They have raised concerns over persistent challenges faced by the Waltair Division, including inadequate funding, unfilled vacancies, and delays in the construction of new railway lines. They urge immediate steps to ensure the SCoR becomes operational without further delays.
Chalasani Gandhi, former General Secretary of the East Coast Railway Shramik Union, expressed apprehensions about the delayed operationalization of the new zone. He pointed out that vacancies in the Waltair Division are being reassigned to Odisha’s Khurda and Sambalpur Divisions. Gandhi has discussed these issues with Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat, who has, in turn, brought them to the attention of Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
To expedite the process, Gandhi suggested using existing railway infrastructure, such as the newly constructed five-story Gati Shakti building near the railway station, as a temporary office for the SCoR General Manager until the new headquarters is completed.
Key issues needing immediate attention include retaining the Waltair Division's headquarters in Visakhapatnam and fast-tracking the approval of the Detailed Project Report (DPR), which is still pending with the Railway Board.
Visakhapatnam is home to significant railway assets like the Diesel Loco Shed, Electric Loco Shed, and Wagon Repair Shop (WRS), which necessitate the presence of divisional-level officials for seamless coordination with local industries.
The proposed Master Plan for the SCoR Headquarters, with an estimated cost of ?154.82 crore, includes a nine-story building with a ground floor and two basement parking levels accommodating 200 cars and 215 two-wheelers. Once completed, the headquarters is expected to provide a modern, efficient working environment and contribute to the region’s infrastructure and economic growth.
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