Any split in the South Central Zone (SCR), if it happens, may not do any good to the zone. It can adversely impact a zone that emerged as one of the most efficient railway zones.

SCR General Manager P K Srivastava has felt that it would not be healthy for the railways. “I really don’t see any advantage. We must see a good reason (to split the zone),” he said.

There has been a demand from some quarters to split the zone as the State is bifurcated.

He said the decision (to split or not to split) is a political one and the bureaucrats would abide by such a decision.

Addressing a select press conference here on Friday, he said the Railways operated on a different plane and any split in the State didn’t necessarily result in a division of the zone.

The committee appointed to discuss the pros and cons of the division was expected to submit a preliminary report this month. “We have given our inputs to the committee,” he said.

While Andhra Pradesh has all the Port-based traffic, Telangana region has strengths in cement freight. “At present, one Chief Operations officer is managing the two sides. It is easier to handle and optimise the strengths. If you split, you will have all the freight loadings on one side, while the other side will have empties (wagons). This might result in unnecessary delays,” he said.

The General Manager had met the Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and briefed them about his views on the issue.

Dip in passenger numbers

Though the revenues have gone up, the zone witnessed a dip in number of passengers. The General Manager said one reason could be the shift in favour of road travel.

“We need to introduce diesel multiple units (DMUs) and electric multiple units (EMUs) to offer faster movement. But rakes are in short supply. The Rail Coach Factory at Kapurthala is able to make 12-13 rakes against the demand for 30 in the country,” he said.

“I have told both the Chief Ministers that we should be allocated more rakes,” he said.

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