In a key administrative decision aimed at improving railway services in Andhra Pradesh, the Railway Board has approved the transfer of seven railway stations from the East Coast Railway Zone to the South Coast Railway Zone. The move is expected to strengthen railway operations in the north coastal region and improve passenger services in Srikakulam district.

The announcement was shared by Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, who stated that the decision was taken after consistent representations from local leaders and public demand. The transferred stations lie between Ichchapuram and Palasa and were earlier managed under the Khurda Road Division of the East Coast Railway. These stations will now fall under the jurisdiction of the South Coast Railway, headquartered in Visakhapatnam.

This shift is expected to bring administrative control closer to the region and improve overall railway management.

Stations Transferred to South Coast Railway Zone

The seven stations that have been transferred include:

**Palasa

Summadevi

Mandasa Road

Baruva

Sompeta

Jhadupudi

Ichchapuram**

All these stations are located in Srikakulam district and fall along the busy Chennai–Howrah railway line, one of the most important railway corridors in the country. This route handles heavy passenger and freight traffic and connects several major cities across eastern and southern India.

Previously, these stations were administered from Odisha under the Khurda Road Division. With the recent decision, they will now be managed locally under the Visakhapatnam Division, bringing operational authority closer to Andhra Pradesh.

Strengthening the South Coast Railway Zone

The South Coast Railway Zone is one of the newest zones created under Indian Railways. It was proposed following the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act to improve railway administration in the state after bifurcation.

Since its announcement, the South Coast Railway Zone has been gradually taking shape, with divisions and routes being reorganized. The transfer of these seven stations marks another step toward making the zone fully functional and operational.

Officials believe that bringing Andhra Pradesh-based stations under a locally headquartered zone will allow better planning and faster implementation of development projects.

Why This Transfer Matters

Railway officials and local representatives see this move as an important development for the region. The transfer is expected to:

**Improve coordination between railway divisions

Accelerate infrastructure upgrades

Enhance passenger amenities

Improve scheduling and train operations

Boost regional connectivity**

The transferred stretch between Palasa and Ichchapuram covers roughly 50 kilometers and includes multiple stations that serve thousands of passengers daily. Many commuters rely on these stations for travel to cities like Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Bhubaneswar.

By placing these stations under a local railway zone, authorities expect quicker responses to passenger needs and better maintenance.

Long-Standing Demand from Local Leaders

The transfer of these stations had been a long-standing demand from public representatives and residents of the region. Many leaders had argued that stations located in Andhra Pradesh should be managed by a railway zone headquartered within the state.

Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu expressed appreciation to Narendra Modi and Ashwini Vaishnaw for approving the request.

He stated that the decision would help focus more on the development of railway infrastructure in north coastal Andhra Pradesh and improve passenger services in the region.

Expected Benefits for Passengers

Passengers using these stations are likely to experience several improvements in the coming years, including:

Better station infrastructure

Increased train stoppages

Faster decision-making for upgrades

Improved cleanliness and passenger facilities

Better connectivity with major cities

Railway officials believe that localized administration helps identify problems quickly and implement solutions without delays.

Administrative Realignment for Efficiency

Earlier, operational decisions related to these stations were handled from outside the state, which sometimes led to delays in addressing local issues. With the transfer to South Coast Railway Zone, decision-making authority moves closer to the region.

This administrative realignment is expected to make railway operations more efficient and responsive to passenger needs. It also aligns with Indian Railways’ broader strategy to improve regional management.

A Step Toward Better Connectivity

The transfer is also expected to support economic development in Srikakulam district. Improved railway connectivity often leads to better business opportunities, increased tourism, and smoother transportation of goods.

Local industries, students, and daily commuters are expected to benefit from improved railway infrastructure and services.

Conclusion

The transfer of seven railway stations to the South Coast Railway Zone marks a significant step in strengthening railway administration in Andhra Pradesh. By bringing these stations under a zone headquartered in Visakhapatnam, authorities aim to improve operational efficiency and passenger services.

As the South Coast Railway Zone continues to expand, more improvements in railway connectivity and infrastructure are expected. The move is seen as a positive development for the people of north coastal Andhra Pradesh and a step toward more efficient railway governance in the region.