Krishna Rao reviews railways projects in AP

Hyderabad, Oct 7 (INN): Chief Secretary I.Y.R. Krishna Rao on Wednesday reviewed the progress of new railway line between 'Nadikudi - Srikalahasti' and other railway projects in Andhra Pradesh, with the officers concerned and through video conference with the District Collectors of Guntur, Prakasam and Nellore.

During the meeting, the Chief Secretary recollected that Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the progress in his video conference 'PRAGATI' held in the month of August 2015 and said that this is a priority project in the list and assured co-operation from Railway Board and Prime Minister's Office. The Prime Minister appreciated for the efforts have been made by the Government of Andhra Pradesh for monitoring the status regularly and the works taken up to complete this railway line before estimated period.

The Chief Secretary issued instructions to the District Collector Guntur to publicise the draft declaration for 14 villages involved in this railway line by end of this month and awards may be passed for the first 30 KMs and possession of land to the Railways may be done. Forest Department officials informed that there are 374 hectares of forest land covered for this railway line and ensured that compensatory land is not required for this project.

Covering a distance of 308 KM between Nadikudi and Srikalahasti, would be helpful to develop the backward areas of Guntur, Prakasam Nellore and Chittoor Districts and would also facilitate exports in Cement and Granite Industries in this region. The Railway line is an alternate and shortest route for the States of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka.

Railway officials informed that tripling of railway line between Vijayawada and Gudur was approved by the Railway Board and Chief Secretary said concerned District Officials will be in touch with the Railway officials to co-ordinate for land acquisition for the tripling line.

The Chief Secretary directed the Railway Officials and District Collectors to speed up works, so that construction works may be taken up at the earliest by adopting modern technologies for construction of the railway line.

Doubling of railway line between Guntur and Guntakal was also reviewed by the Chief Secretary. Completion of doubling line between Guntur and Guntakal railway stations would facilitate running of two trains on different tracks by reducing the journey period and people can easily move from Rayalaseema region to new capital city of Andhra Pradesh, Chief Secretary opined.

Current status of other railway lines Sanjanamala-Kolimiguntla, Gutti-Dharmavaram reviewed in the meeting.

Advisor to Government, Railway Projects P. Srivastava, Spl. Chief Secretary TR&B B. Sam Bob and other officers attended the meeting.