SOUTH COAST RAILWAY CELEBRATES 80TH INDEPENDENCE DAY WITH GRANDEUR AT RAILWAY CRICKET STADIUM VISAKHAPATNAM*

Visakhaptnam: Indian News Times:South Coast Railway celebrated the 80th Independence Day with patriotic fervour and enthusiasm at the Railway Cricket Ground, Visakhapatnam. The celebrations assumed special significance as it was the first Independence Day celebration of South Coast Railway after its operationalization as the 18th Zonal Railway on 1st June 2026

The programme commenced with the singing of the Vande Bharat song, which was included for the first time in the Independence Day celebrations, adding a distinct patriotic and contemporary dimension to the ceremony. This was followed by the hoisting of the National Flag by Shri Sandeep Mathur, General Manager, South Coast Railway, and the singing of the National Anth

The RPF Contingent presented a National Salute, following which the General Manager inspected the parade. The well-disciplined parade reflected the dedication, commitment and professionalism of the Railway personnel, Civil Defense and Bharat Scouts & Guides from various divisions of the South Coast Railway.

Addressing the gathering, the General Manager extended his greetings and best wishes to the entire South Coast Railway family on the 80th Independence Day. He recalled the immense sacrifices of the visionary leaders, valiant freedom fighters and countless unsung heroes who devoted their lives to India’s freedom. He also highlighted the historic role played by Indian Railways in the Independence Movement and its transformation into the Nation’s lifeline after Independence.

General Manager highlighted the significant progress made by South Coast Railway since its operationalisation on 1st June 2026. He noted that the Zone comprises four divisions—Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Guntur and Guntakal—and spans approximately 3,532 Route Kilometres and 6,455 Track Kilometres.

Emphasising safety as the foremost priority, he highlighted the commissioning of state-of-the-art digital signalling systems at Garudubilli and Gullipadu, interlocking of three Level Crossing gates, completion of 114.2 km of track renewal, raising of sectional speeds to 130 kmph over 127.5 km and the ongoing implementation of KAVACH and Automatic Block Signalling. KAVACH has already been provided in 719 out of 1,070 locomotives of South Coast Railway.

He also highlighted the strong focus on infrastructure development, with projects worth ₹1.25 lakh crore at various stages of development and planning. The Visakhapatnam Yard Remodelling Project, sanctioned at a cost of ₹299 crore, along with the Guntakal–Bellary Quadrupling Project and crowd-handling facilities at Tirupati, were also highlighted as major initiatives aimed at enhancing capacity, connectivity and operational efficiency.

Shri Sandeep Mathur, General Manager further highlighted passenger-oriented initiatives, including the conversion of four pairs of special trains into regular services, operation of 76 special trains, attachment of 408 additional coaches, and conversion of Simhadri Express and Guntur–Vikarabad Express from ICF to LHB rakes. He also noted the progress of redevelopment works at 69 stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, including Rayanapadu, Mangalagiri and Cumbum.

The address also covered the Zone’s achievements in workshops, freight operations, renewable energy, passenger security and digital transformation. The General Manager acknowledged the contribution of the dedicated workforce, recognised trade unions and associations, SCoR Women’s Welfare Organisation, Sports and Cultural Association, Civil Defence, Railway Territorial Army and Scouts & Guides personnel.

The vibrant cultural programmes presented by Railway personnel added colour and patriotic spirit to the celebrations. This was followed by a daring and impressive Dog Show by RPF personnel, showcasing the capabilities of trained RPF dogs in detecting explosives and assisting in security operations.

The programme also featured the presentation of Meritorious Awards to deserving Railway staff, recognizing their outstanding performance, dedication and contribution to the organisation.

The celebrations concluded with the singing of the National Song followed by the National Anthem, marking the end of the first Independence Day celebrations of the newly operationalised South Coast Railway.

The General Manager called upon all members of Team SCoR to remain united, work together and strive for excellence, expressing confidence that the collective efforts of the Railway family would take South Coast Railway to greater heights of success.

                    BK.V.SHARMA EDITOR