(a) whether the Railways have any proposal for establishment of new railway zones in the State of Andhra Pradesh;
(b) if so, the details thereof including Visakhapatnam;
(c) whether the Ministry has submitted its report to the Railway Board in this regard;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the steps taken/being taken by the Railway Board in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI MANOJ SINHA)
(a) & (b): As per Item 8 of Schedule 13 (Infrastructure) of Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act, 2014, Indian Railways is required to examine establishing a new Railway zone in the successor State of
Andhra Pradesh and take expeditious decision thereon. To, inter-alia, examine the feasibility of creation of the new Railway Zone, a committee of Senior Officers from Railways has been constituted by the Ministry of Railways. In this context, proposals from different sources have been received in this Ministry suggesting various locations, including Vishakhapatnam, as the head-quarters of the new railway zone.
(c) to (e): The Committee had recently submitted its Report. However, the Ministry has asked the Committee to consult the various stake holders including the Members of Parliament, State Governments, etc. before a final decision is taken.