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Sanction Vizag rly zone, AP CM urges Suresh Prabhu
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu appealed to the Centre to take steps to clear the long-pending issue of new railway zone to Visakhapatnam.
​Vijayawada: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu appealed to the Centre to take steps to clear the long-pending issue of new railway zone to Visakhapatnam.
Addressing a meeting at railway institute at Vijayawada railway station on the occasion of launching of various railway projects through remote control, the Chief Minister said that the issue of railway zone at Visakhapatnam was very important and “sensitive”.
He wanted Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu, who participated in the programme thorough a video conference from Delhi, to take steps towards granting the zone. “I am confident that you will clear the issue,” the Chief Minister said.
Expressed happiness over launching of six new railway projects in Andhra Pradesh, Naidu said one of the important projects, Nadikudi- Srikalahasti new railway line, will have a key role in the development of the State.
The new line would provide an alternative link to the existing Vijayawada- Chennai line and connect Amaravati, he said.
“The new railway line holds potential to boost economic and industrial progress in Chittoor, Nellore, Prakasam and Guntur districts.
It will also serve as the shortest route between Guntur and Tirupati besides improving connectivity between Guntur, Nellore and Prakasam districts and capital city Amaravati,” he said.
The project cost was Rs 2,229 crore and needs 2,453 acres, he said. “The State government has allocated Rs 300 crore for the land acquisition purpose and the line will connect Telangana State with Andhra Pradesh too,” he said.
The Chief Minister said development of transport facilities was very crucial to the State. “Vijayawada is strategically located as a centre between north and south India.
Another major advantage is that the State has 974 km long coastline and number of ports. We will work together with Railway Ministry towards development of the State,” he said.
Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said Rs 2,023 crore was earmarked in 2016-17 budget to complete the railway projects in Andhra Pradesh.
He said that Rs 80 crore was allocated to Vijayawada-Bhimavaram line doubling works and funds were allocated to Kotipalli-Narsapuram, Kakinada- Pithapuram lines works. “I will give priority to the completion of projects in the State as an MP representing Andhra Pradesh,” he asserted.
Chief Minister launched high-speed Wi-Fi broadband facility at Guntur railway station which provides free Wi-Fi facility to passengers.
Rayadurg-Kalyandurg section new rail line has been commissioned by the Chief Minister. The 40-kilometre line was constructed at a cost of Rs 330 crore.
The new Route Relay Interlocking system in Vijayawada station was dedicated to the nation and Naidu also flagged off Tirupati- Visakhapatnam AC double decker express which is set to meet the demands of pilgrim traffic connecting Tirupati with Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam.
Newly-constructed hostel building in Electric Traction Training Centre in Vijayawada was also dedicated to the nation.
Union Minister for Civil Aviation P Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Vijayawada MP Kesineni Srinivas, Railway Board executive director Agarwal and others were present.
