Vijayawada: The Union Railway Ministry has prioritized railway projects in Andhra Pradesh, allocating Rs. 8406 crores in the last financial year, a substantial rise from Rs. 886 crores in 2009. Vijayawada MP Kesineni Sivanath (Chinni) inquired in the Lok Sabha about the progress, timelines, and funding of these projects.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized the significant budget increase for Andhra Pradesh’s railway development under the NDA government, noting the annual construction average has improved from 72 km during the UPA era to 151 km now. He mentioned ongoing talks with the state government to address cost-sharing and land acquisition challenges.
A key project is a new 56 km railway line to Amravati, costing approximately Rs. 2000 crore, approved by Niti Aayog. Additionally, the development of Vijayawada railway station under the Amrit Bharat Station scheme was discussed, with a master plan promising improvements for the next 50 years.
