In a major boost to Andhra Pradesh’s railway infrastructure, the Railway Board has approved the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the South Coast Railway Zone, headquartered in Visakhapatnam. This marks a crucial milestone in establishing the new zone, offering clarity on its operational jurisdiction, staffing, and infrastructure blueprint.The revised DPR, submitted on 25 January 2025 by the Zone Special Officer, details the zone’s structure, future plans, and administrative scope. Following a thorough review, the Railway Board granted approval and directed the General Manager of the South Coast Railway to proceed as per the sanctioned guidelines.Key provisions include the reassignment of existing staff and assets from the South Central Railway Zone, though the board has rejected proposals for new gazetted or non-gazetted posts—excluding the General Manager role. Staffing for the Visakhapatnam division and headquarters will proceed based on existing deployments, with only field-level adjustments to be made.The DPR also suggested inclusion of the Naupada–Gunupur line, including the Gunupur–Parlakhemundi section, into the new zone until completion of the Gunupur–Therubali route. However, this was declined as it lies outside the Cabinet-approved jurisdiction.A request to construct a health unit with an emergency ward at Mudasarlova, where the zone headquarters is under development, has also been turned down for now. Likewise, the additional Rs 2 billion sought for civil works will be considered once formal proposals are received.The Railway Board has invited proposals for rental accommodation for zone officials in Visakhapatnam and issued guidelines on staff seniority determination.A notable development is the appointment of the zone’s first General Manager, who will oversee administrative planning and fast-track the zone’s operational launch. Construction at the Mudasarlova headquarters is progressing, with the zone’s commencement announcement expected shortly.