South Central Railway was formed on 2nd October, 1966 as the 9th zone of the Indian Railways. In its forty two years of committed service and path breaking progress, South Central Railway has grown to a modern system of mass transportation fulfilling the aspirations of the passengers/customers and carved a niche for itself in Indian Railways system.

Strategically positioned in the southern peninsula, this dynamic organization with its headquarters at Secunderabad serves the economically vibrant state of Andhra Pradesh, Parts of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

From the days of steam hauled locomotives and wooden plank seats, South Central Railway has come a long way modernizing its system with the state of the art high powered Diesel and Electric Locomotives, high speed telescopic Passenger Coaches, and higher axle load wagons, higher capacity track in all important routes, multiple aspect color light signaling with solid state inter locking, and micro wave & digital communication system etc.
 

Over the years, South Central Railway has attained sufficient transportation output with adequate infrastructure development and technological upgrading to serve the regions in its jurisdiction. Safe operation of trains, expansion of net work, modern Passenger amenities, Punctuality of trains, courteous service and cleanliness in stations and trains remain always the thrust areas of this Railway. Being a service oriented organization, South Central Railway provided Computerized Passenger Reservation System at 85 Stations/locations covering 96% of the berths available. In the a rena of information dissemination to the rail customers, it has provided Inter-active Voice Response System (IVRS) for Reservation and train enquiry, National Train Enquiry System (NTES) for real time information on movement of trains, Passenger Operated Enquiry Terminals (POET) with information on availability of accommodation and confirmation and Close Circuit Television (CCTV) for real time reservation availability status at all important stations in its system.

For mass movement of freight, S.C.Railway has introduced high horse powered Diesel and Electric Locomotives and high speed, higher Axle load Box-N-Wagons. Today, South Central Railway plays a pivotal role as a catalyst for agricultural and industrial development in the Southern peninsula apart from fostering the growth of trade and commerce including import/export through ports by connecting sea ports with their hinder land and inland container depots.

Its reliable and comfortable Passenger Services for long and short distance travel by way introducing many super fast and inter city trains helps transform the society by catering to their personal, business, educational and tourism purposes.

South Central Railway was formed on 2nd October, 1966 by grouping Vijayawada and Hubli Divisions of Southern Railway and Secuderabad and Solapur Division of Central Railway.

Jurisdictional adjustments were made in October, 1977 by merging Guntakal Division of the Southern Railway with South Central Railway and transferring Solapur Division back to Central Railway.

Secunderabad Division was bifurcated in February, 1978 into two Divisions Secunderabad and Hyderabad to facilitate effective operational and administrative control.

On 1st April, 2003, the newly formed Guntur and Nanded Divisions of South Central Railway became operational and Hubli Division was transferred to the newly formed South Western Railway.Presently, South Central Railway has six Divisions Viz., Secunderabad, Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Guntur, Guntakal and Nanded with 5752 Route KMs of which 1604 RKms are electrified.

After its inception, SC.Railway laid 342.805 RKMs of new lines, converted 2676.19 RKMs from MG to BG and carried out doubling of track on 1272.453 RKms, constructed many major river bridges including the engineering marvels Viz., II Godavari Bridge and III Godavari Bridges at Rajahmundry.

Towards customer Satisfaction, it had established the Computerized Passenger Reservation Systems at 85 Stations/locations and offer reservation by any train from any station in the Country. For gaining efficiency in freight operations, SCR established Freight Operations Information System (FOIS) in its jurisdiction and has already introduced Rack Management Systems at 23 Stations and Terminal Management System at 31 Stations.

Its Passenger and Freight performance has met with stupendous leaps forward. The freight loading which was only 9.00 million tons in the year of its inception, ie., 1966 has seen a quantum jump and touched 44.79 Million tons in the financial year 2003-2004. Passenger transport too has met with tremendous growth touching 195.65 millions in the year 2003-2004 as against 50 millions in the year of inception and the gross earning from Rs. 58.00 Cr. to 3683.00 Cr in the year 2003-2004.

The milestones crossed by South Central Railway in its ambitious journey towards achieving network expansion, modernization, higher performance and customer satisfaction are as follows:-

- Rail Nilayam, Secunderabad, the Land Mark Building housing Zonal Head quarters Office of South Central Railway was inaugurated with ground floor to third floor in the year 1968 and fully completed in the year 1972.

- The Wagon Workshop, Guntupalli was inaugurated in the year 1974.

- II Godavari Rail Cum Road Bridge was commissioned by his Excellency the President of India, Shri Fakruddin Ali Ahmed on 20-11-1974.

- The first Plassur Quick Relaying System (PQRS) for mechanized laying of track was introduced in the year 1975.

- First Route Relay Inter locking (RRI) system of South Central Railway was commissioned in January 1976 at Vijayawada Station.

- Hyderabad–New Delhi Andhra Pradesh (Super fast) Express was introduced on 03-10-1976.

- The first ever Microwave Lab on Indian Railways was commissioned in Secunderabad in South Central Railway in October 1979.

- The Electric Loco Shed, Vijayawada was inaugurated in the year April, 1980 with a capacity to maintain 100 Electric Locomotives.

- Sanchalan Bhavan, the Head Quarters Building of Secunderabad Division of South Central Railway was Inaugurated on 10-11-1980 by Hon’ble Dy. Railway Minister Shri P.Mallikarjan.

- The first electrified route from Vijayawada to Gudur on South Central Railway system was inaugurated on 15 th December, 1980.

- The first Tie Tamping Machine in South Central Railway was introduced in the year January, 1981.

- The additionally laid broad gauge Railway line between Gooty and Dharmavaram was opened for traffic on 26-1-1983.

- The Carriage Repair Shop/Tirupati with a capacity to overhaul 100 BG coaches was commissioned in September 1985.

- The additionally laid broad gauge Railway line between Bibinagar-Nadikude was opened for traffic in three phases ie., in the year 1987; Nov. 1988 and April 1989.

- First Digital Electronic Exchange was inaugurated on South Central Railway in July 1988 at Rail Nilayam/SC.

- South Central Railway introduced Computerised Passenger Reservation System (PRS) at Secunderabad Railway Station on 30.9.1989.

- The Ballast Cleaning Machine in South Central Railway was introduced in the year May, 1990.

- The first Solid State Interlocking (also know as electronic Inter locking system) was commissioned at KAVALI station of South central Railway in July 1994.

- South Central Railway had introduced 5000 hp Electric Locos for Passenger Transport in May, 1995.

- The Electric Loco Shed, South Lallaguda with a capacity to maintain 100 Electrict Locomotives was inaugurated in September, 1995.

- Andhra Pradesh Express was augmented to 24 coaches from 30-11-1995 followed by Charminar Express, Godavari Express, Pinakini Express.

- Mango Specials (Goods Trains with mango load) were first introduced by S.C.Railway in the year May 1996.

- The first Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) service on SCR between Vijayawada and Machilipatnam was inaugurated on 01-9-1996.

- The first Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) service on S.C.Railway was inaugurated between Vijayawada and Ongole on 1st Sseptember, 1996.

- The first long haul digital Microwave link of South central Railway was commissioned on Vijayawada-Gudur-Renigunta Route in September 1996.

- III Godavari Bridge (Bow-String Concrete Structure) at Rajahmundry was commissioned on 11-03-1997

- Computerized Passenger Reservation System of Secunderabad was linked to Passenger Reservation System (PRS) New Delhi on 14-10-1997.

- The Inter-active Voice Response System (IVRS) for dissemination on reservation and confirmation of train accommodaton was first introduced at Passenger Reservation System Office, Secunderabad on 31st March 1998 with 12 lines and later extended to 60 lines. By August, 2004, IVRS has been provided at 27 Stations.

- Rail Net was commissioned in South central Railway in March 1998.

- The first Mobile Police Station was introduced by Hyderabad-Tirupati Narayanadri Express in April, 1998.

- Computerised Passenger Reservation System, Secunderabad was linked to PRS/Howrah on 19-7-1998.

- South Central Railway had introduced 5000 hp Electric Locos for Goods transport in July 1998.

- Computerised Passenger Reservation System, Secunderabad was linked to PRS/Mumbai (CST) on 31-1-1999.

- Wagon Workshop, Guntupalli, Vijayawada was granted ISO 9002 Certificate on March 1999.

- Carriage workshop, Tirupati was granted ISO 9002 Certificate in May 1999.

- Computerised Passenger Reservation System of Secunderabad was linked to PRS/ Chennai on 18-4-1999.

- Passenger Operated Enquiry Terminal (POET) was introduced at Secunderabad Station on 31-12-1999 and extended to 49 stations by July 2004.

- National Train Enquiry System (NTES) was introduced in Secunderabad on 30-6-1999 and extended to 11 stations by July 2004.

- The walkie-talkie wireless set for communication between Driver – Guard–Station Manager was introduced in South central Railway in the year 1999.

- High powered diesel Loco with 4000 hp capacity was introduced for hauling Goods Trains in the year 1999.

- The first solar powered Colour Light Signals on South Central Railway was provided at LC gate No.55 near Gudivada Station of Vijayawada Division in January 2000.

- The first LED lit colour light signal on South Central Railway was provided at LC 404 at KM 589/14-16 between Kadiyam-Dwarapudi Station on Vijayawada-Visakhapatnam section in January – 2000.

- ISO 9002 Certification was granted to Carriage Workshop, Lallaguda, Secunderabad in April 2000.

- Escalator for climbing on Footover Bridge connecting platforms was commissioned at Vijayawada Station in April, 2000.

- The state of the art high powered Diesel Loco with a capacity of 4000 hp was introduced for hauling passenger trains in the year 2001.

- High speed Data Channel Net working for Freight Operation Information System (FOIS) was commissioned in South central Railway in January 2001.

- Coaching Refund was first computerized on 31st June, 2001 by Hyderabad- Narsapur Express.

- The first station in S.C.Railway to be commissioned with all Light Emiting Diode (LED) lit CLS is Kovvur in January 2002.

- Secunderabad-New Delhi Rajdhani (super fast) Express was Introduced on 12-02-2002.

- The first Diesel Engine with AC Cabin for Driver was introduced in South Central Railway on 16-11-02.

- Rake Management System, to monitor the movement of rakes and Wagons (a division of Freight Operations Information System) was first introduced at Gooty and Renigunta Stations of S.C. Railway on 06-9-2002 and extended thereafter to 23 locations by July 2004.

- Anti-collision Device was fitted to Locomotives running on Renigunta-Guntakal route of Guntakal Division on an experimental basis in the year 2003.

- Laying of Optic Fibre Cable on all important routes of South Central Railway was Completed by Railtel Corporation on 30-6-03.

- South Central Railway operated 707 Special trains for Godavari Puskarams in July&August, 2003, moved 22,84,170 pilgrims and earned Rs. 4.28 Cr.

- The first Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) Service on S.C.Railway was inaugurated between Secunderabad and Lingampalli in August 2003.

- The first ISDN compatible electronic exchange of South central Railway was commissioned at Secunderabad in March 2003.

- The Multi Model Transport System Train (MMTS-Train) between Secunderabad – Lingampalli was Inaugurated on 09-8-2003.

- Terminal Management System a division of Freight Operations Information System (FOIS) was first introduced on SCR at Bellampalli Station on 30-9-2003 and extended thereafter to 31 locations by July 2004.

- Issue of “Railway Receipt” for booking of freight (under terminal management system) was computerized first at Bellampalli Station on 4-10-2003 and extended to 9 Stations by July,2004.

- The first ever “Block proving” by Digital Axle Counter System in Indian Railways was energized on Bhimadolu – Pulla block section on Vijayawada-Visakhapatnam route of South central Railway in January 2004.

- Multi Model Transport System (MMTS) Train between Secunderabad – Falaknuma was Inaugurated on 14-2-2004.

- Signal, Telecommunication, Carrage, Stores Finance and Store Bills wings of the Office of Chief Controller of Stores, Rail Nilayam, Secunderabad were granted ISO 9001 /2000 certificate in 16th March, 2004.

- The Office of Senior Divisional Financial Advisor’s Office was granted ISO 9002 /2000 on 18th March, 2004.

- The first Refrigerated Parcel Van service was inaugurated on 3.4. 2004 between Vijayawada and Guwahati by Bangalore-Guwahati Express.

- S.C. Railway realized the highest earnings of Rs.2.18 cr. from 1.71 lakh ticketless Passengers during the month May 2004.

- South Central Railway was awarded Rupees Two lakhs by the Ministry of Railways in recognition of its best performance in the financial year 2003-2004.

- As on July 2004 South Central Railway established computerized Passenger Reservation Systems at 85 Stations/locations covering 96% of the berths available in S.C.Railway.

- South Central Railway has laid 342.805 Km of new lines since its inception in the 1966 till July, 2004.

- South Central Railway has converted 2676.19 Km of MG track to broad gauge since its inception in the year 1966 till July, 2004.

- South Central Railway has carried out Doubling of track to the extent of 1272.453 Km. since its inception in the year 1966 till July, 2004.

- South Central Railway had electrified 1706 Rkm. since its inception in the year 1966 till July, 2004.

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Secunderabad Railway Station Building

Built in the year 1874 under the Nizam Guaranteed State Railway, the Secunderabad Railway Station building underwent expansion many times. The main portico and concourse still represent the Asaf Jahi architecture. The expansion on both the sides and the construction of the first floor of the building were completed under the stewardship of SCR, in the recent past of 30 years.

This fort like structure is one of the tourist attractions in the twin cities of Hyderabad & Secunderabad. Today, this station boasts of all the modern amenities such as, wide platforms, waiting halls, retiring rooms, three foot-over bridges, etc., and handles 30,000 passengers per day.

Kachiguda Station Building

Kacheguda Station is architecturally the most beautiful station in South Central Railway. Constructed in the year 1916 by the Nizam of the erstwhile Hyderabad State, this Station was the Headquarters of the then Nizam State Guaranteed Railway.

Endowed with central and side domes a nd accompanying minarets, this station is a marvel in Gothic style of architecture. Towering like a Maharaja’s place, the Kacheguda Station is one of the landmarks in the Hyderabad city. The station handles trains originating for Aurangabad, Tirupati etc. Housing many modern passenger amenities, this station now serves as the Headquarter station of the Hyderabad Division of South Central Railway.

Third Godavari Rail Bridge

The first Godavari Rail Bridge was built in the year 1897, under the supervision of Er.Walton, a British Engineer, across the mighty river Godavari near Rajahmundry. Stretching for three kilometers, constructed with stone masonry and steel girders, this bridge served the trains plying on Chennai - Howrah and Hyderabad-Howrah. Since this bridge outlived its serving years by serving for more than 100 years, train services on this bridge were suspended from the year 1997. Today, the first Godavari Bridge still stands as a monument of human endeavour and skill.

Dorabavi Viaduct

Situated on the Nandyal - Giddalur Section , the Dorabavi Viaduct is yet another engineering monument in the South Central Railway. The serene forest location of this bridge on the Nallamala Hills of the Rayalseema region of Andhra Pradesh adds its own exotic aura to make this a picnic spot. This Viaduct was opened for metre gauge traffic in the year 1887. Now it is in disuse due to the construction of an alternative route , as part of gauge conversion between Nandyal and Giddalur.

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