Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid foundation stones for railway and road projects worth over Rs. 19,500 crore in Andhra Pradesh. Key initiatives include the South Coast Railway Headquarters at Visakhapatnam, railway line doubling and electrification, and enhanced logistics infrastructure, aimed at reducing congestion, boosting connectivity, and spurring socio-economic growth in the region.
Foundation Stone Laying for South Coast Railway Headquarters:
- Location: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
- Estimated Cost: Rs. 149 crore
- Benefits: Facilitation of rapid execution of railway projects and enhanced administration of the railway network across Andhra Pradesh and neighboring states.
Doubling of Giddalur – Diguvametta Rail Line:
- Length: 12 km
- District Covered: Prakasam
- Benefits: Reduced congestion in the existing section and shorter travel times for local passengers.
Doubling & Electrification of Rail Lines:
- Sections Covered: Vijayawada – Gudivada – Bhimavaram – Narasapur, Gudivada – Machilipatnam, Bhimavaram – Nidadavolu
- Total Length: 221 km
- Benefits: Improved operational capacity and enhanced travel convenience and reduced delays.
Doubling of Gooty – Dharmavaram Rail Line:
- Length: 90 km
- Districts Covered: Anantapur and Sri Sathya Sai
- Benefits: Increased efficiency for freight movement and support for local tourism and streamlined travel.
Doubling & Electrification of Mahbubnagar – Dhone Rail Line:
- States Covered: Andhra Pradesh & Telangana
- Length: 197 km
- Benefits: Quicker transit between Secunderabad and Guntakal and reduced carbon emissions due to electrification.
Doubling of Guntur – Bibinagar Rail Line:
- States Covered: Andhra Pradesh & Telangana
- Length: 239 km
- Benefits: Enhanced connectivity between the two states and improved operational efficiency in the rail network.
Doubling of Gooty – Pendekallu Rail Line:
- Length: 29 km
- Districts Covered: Anantapur and Kurnool
- Benefits: Seamless transport of cement, fertilizers, and food grains and creation of an alternative route connecting major cities.
3rd & 4th Rail Line Between Visakhapatnam & Gopalapatnam:
- Length: 15.31 km
- District Covered: Visakhapatnam
- Benefits: Significant increase in section capacity and scope for introducing new passenger and freight trains.
3rd & 4th Rail Line Between Duvvada & Simhachalam North:
- Length: 20.54 km
- District Covered: Visakhapatnam
- Benefits: Improved line capacity in a key railway corridor and reduced congestion for freight and passenger services.
3rd & 4th Rail Line Between Vadlapudi – Gate Jn. Cabin:
- Length: 12.04 km
- District Covered: Visakhapatnam
- Benefits: Enhanced logistics capacity in Visakhapatnam and support for industrial growth, including ports and steel plants.
Conclusion:
These ambitious railway projects underscore the government’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and fostering regional growth in Andhra Pradesh. By addressing congestion, promoting efficient logistics, and improving travel conditions, the initiatives aim to strengthen socio-economic development and lay the foundation for future industrial expansion in the region.
Source: PIB – Press Release | Image Credit (representational): Southern Railway
