Tummala seeks early execution of rail stretch to Saketapuri

Khammam: Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao has urged the Centre to take up on priority the construction of the nearly 16-km railway stretch between Pandurangapuram and Saketapuri (Sarapaka), saying it would mark the first step towards improving rail connectivity to the Bhadrachalam region.

Tummala made the request during a meeting with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who responded positively and directed officials to take necessary steps to expedite the works, according to a statement issued on Thursday. The minister said the larger Pandurangapuram-Malkangiri railway project had been delayed due to several issues, including land acquisition, forest clearances and construction of the Godavari and other railway bridges.

As resolving these issues could take considerable time, Tummala suggested that the Pandurangapuram-Saketapuri stretch be taken up first, as it faced relatively fewer hurdles.

He also informed Vaishnaw that the Telangana government was ready to undertake land acquisition for the stretch and hand over the required land to the Railways.

The proposed connectivity is expected to make access to Bhadrachalam, home to the Sri Sitaramachandra Swamy temple, easier for pilgrims and give a boost to religious tourism in the region.

The railway link would also strengthen transportation facilities for industries in Bhadradri Kothagudem district, besides creating opportunities for employment, trade and investment, the statement said.

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