The Ministry of Railways has approved a revised Indian Railways logo featuring 18 red stars to mark the notification of South Coast Railway (SCoR) as the country’s 18th railway zone. The updated emblem replaces the earlier 17 stars and will be used from June one, 2026, following a communication from the Railway Board to zonal railways, production units, public sector undertakings and training institutes. The change reflects the formal operationalisation of the new zone.

The formal notification that South Coast Railway would become operational from June one, 2026 was issued under Gazette Notification No. 2024/E&R/1(1)/3 by the Establishment and Reforms Directorate. Headquartered in Visakhapatnam, South Coast Railway fulfils a long pending demand of Andhra Pradesh after the bifurcation of the State in 2014. The creation of the new zone is expected to strengthen administration, improve operational efficiency and accelerate infrastructure development in Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring regions.

The new zone will comprise the Vijayawada, Guntur and Guntakal divisions of the South Central Railway, along with the reorganised Visakhapatnam division carved out of the erstwhile Waltair division of the East Coast Railway. Portions of Waltair have been merged with the Rayagada division under East Coast Railway as part of the restructuring. The revised logo received approval from the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CRB & CEO) of the Railway Board for use across railway establishments.

All railway zones and affiliated institutions have been instructed to adopt the revised logo in official communications, stationery, signboards, publications, digital platforms and publicity material. Visakhapatnam Member of Parliament M Sribharat congratulated those who worked towards the demand and characterised the development as a proud moment for Andhra Pradesh and for Visakhapatnam, noting that inclusion of South Coast Railway marks a historic step towards better connectivity, infrastructure development, modernisation and improved railway services. Zonal administrations will coordinate replacement of insignia and signage.