Describing the commencement of operations of the South Coast Railway Zone, headquartered in Visakhapatnam, as a historic milestone, Andhra Pradesh Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president and Gajuwaka MLA Palla Srinivasa Rao said the achievement belonged to every Telugu citizen and fulfilled a long-cherished aspiration of the people.

Mr. Srinivasa Rao said the launch of the railway zone marked the culmination of years of public demand, sustained efforts and the collective struggle of people’s representatives.

He noted that the South Coast Railway Zone, comprising the Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Guntur and Guntakal divisions, would provide fresh momentum to Andhra Pradesh’s development. The new zone is expected to strengthen railway administration, accelerate infrastructure expansion, facilitate the execution of new projects and generate employment opportunities, thereby contributing significantly to the State’s economic growth, he said.

Mr. Srinivasa Rao said the commencement of operations from June 1 reflected the coalition government’s commitment to fulfilling the assurances given to the people of Andhra Pradesh. Thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said the long-pending demand for a separate railway zone had finally become a reality under his leadership.

He also acknowledged the contributions of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Union Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat and Anakapalli MP C. M. Ramesh. Their continuous support and coordination at the national level had strengthened the State’s efforts in securing key developmental initiatives, he said.

Mr. Srinivasa Rao appealed to party cadres and the public to organise commemorative programmes across constituencies, towns and villages to mark the occasion. He suggested that people gather at nearby railway stations and railway signboards, distribute sweets and celebrate the fulfilment of a dream realised after decades of perseverance and public effort.