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SCR Celebrates 60 Years: Kavach First Tested, DigiPay & Unmanned Crossing Elimination Achieved

InfrastructureScience & TechPolityHIGH
Target:MPSCUPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link
04 Sept 2026
~2 min
Source: The Hindu
Key Data:October 2, 1966October 8, 1874115 million (1966-67)286.46 million (2025-26)3,605 route km93% electrification
Bodies:South Central RailwayIRISETIndian RailwaysMinistry of Railways
Practice MCQs from today's news ▸
What This Article Covers

1.SCR established on October 2, 1966, now reduced to 3 divisions after creation of South Coast Railway (SCoR) in 2026.

2.First to introduce Kavach (indigenous automatic train protection), DigiPay cashless stations, and eliminate all unmanned level crossings by 2018.

3.Handles 286.46 million passengers in 2025-26, operates 454 trains daily across 3,605 route km, with 93% electrification.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · Medium

South Central Railway (SCR) marks 60 years of transformation from Nizam-era narrow gauge to modern LHB trains and Kavach auto-protection system. Key milestones include first testing of India's indigenous train protection system (Kavach), elimination of all unmanned level crossings by 2018, and 100% LED-lit stations. With 93% electrification and 454 daily trains, SCR is a model zone for technological and safety upgrades.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

EstablishedOctober 2, 1966
First railway line in Nizam's dominionOctober 8, 1874 (Chittapur–Secunderabad, 110 miles)
Passengers in 1966-67115 million
Passengers in 2025-26286.46 million
Route km (current)3,605 km
Electrification93%
Daily trains454 (express, passenger, MMTS)
Stations362
Unmanned level crossings eliminated2018
Stations under Amrit Bharat Scheme43
Projects worth₹24,000+ crore (1,500 km)

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Established: October 2, 1966
  • ›First railway line in Nizam's dominion: October 8, 1874 (Chittapur–Secunderabad, 110 miles)
  • ›Target this Data: SCR established on October 2, 1966; first railway line in Nizam's dominion on October 8, 1874.
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: Ministry of Railways / Indian Railways (SCR is a zone).
  • ›Target this Legal/Scheme: Kavach (automatic train protection), Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, DigiPay.

Mastered this topic? Test your knowledge with a full MCQ quiz.

Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which ministry is responsible for the overall administration of Indian Railways, including zones like South Central Railway?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding South Central Railway (SCR):

1. SCR was established in 1966 and was the first zone to introduce Kavach, India's indigenous automatic train protection system.

2. SCR eliminated all unmanned level crossings in its network by 2020.

3. As of 2026, SCR has three divisions: Secunderabad, Hyderabad, and Nanded.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

What was the total number of passengers handled by South Central Railway in the year 2025-26?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary objective of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme mentioned in the news?

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