SCoR zone set to move forward after years of delayThere were land allocation issues during YSRCP Govt’s term

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to lay the foundation stone for the new South Coast Railway (SCoR) zone has confirmed that the long-pending project is finally moving forward. The new SCoR zone, a major development for the region, faced delays primarily due to land allocation issues during the previous YSRCP government’s term.
“If the land had been allotted during the YSRCP regime, the new railway zone would have been operational by now,” said a source. While the YSRCP government had identified a 52-acre plot at Mudasarlova for the project, 30 acres of it were tied up in legal disputes.
When the Railways attempted to begin work, objections were raised by local residents due to these unresolved issues.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has repeatedly criticised the YSRCP government for failing to provide the required land. “The proposed site was not suitable for construction, and despite numerous attempts, the land was never properly allotted,” Vaishnaw said during a recent visit to the Waltair division. “The Centre is ready to begin work within 24 hours once the land is allotted,” he added.
The land dispute led to a blame game between the YSRCP government and the BJP-led Centre, stalling progress on the SCoR project for several years. “The YSRCP government didn’t pay attention to identifying an alternative site during its five-year rule, which is why the new railway zone never took shape,” said a senior official.
However, the project has regained momentum following the formation of the TDP-Jana Sena-BJP alliance government. Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu has actively pushed the project forward, holding discussions with Waltair Division Railway Manager Saurabh Prasad to address the delays. “We are fully committed to ensuring the swift completion of the new SCoR zone, which will greatly benefit the region,” said Naidu.
Given the recent developments, it is expected that all pending railway projects in Andhra Pradesh will soon commence, with the new railway zone at the top of the priority list.
Despite the progress, concerns remain over the exclusion of the Waltair Division from the new SCoR zone. Public representatives from Andhra Pradesh have appealed to the Centre to reconsider its decision, arguing that the Waltair Division holds significant strategic importance. “Waltair is crucial for the South Coast Railway zone. We hope that necessary adjustments can be made to ensure it remains a part of the new railway zone,” said a senior Andhra Pradesh government official.