NELLORE: Though it is over seven years since the land acquisition process had commenced for putting up a much-in-demand railway line between Nadikudi and Srikalahasti, the exercise is yet to be completed due to land disputes and delay on the part of the state government to release funds.
These constraints have jacked up the project cost from Rs 2,288 crore to Rs 4,000 crore. Railway officials feel that it will go up to Rs 7,000 crore by the time it is completed if this pace continues into the immediate future.
Nadikudi–Srikalashti line project was included in the Indian Railways Pink Book 2011-12. As per the agreement the state government offers land free of cost and bear 50 per cent of the project cost.
The 308 km line would be a boon for those in backward areas of Guntur, Prakasam and Nellore districts. It can decongest the busy Chennai-Howrah and Chennai-New Delhi line passing through the coastal region and can be a dependable alternative in times of cyclones.
The line starts from Nadikudi in Secunderabad–Guntur section and passes through Piduguralla and from there a new line starts with Nakarikallu, Rompicherla and connects with Guntur–Gunthakal section at Savalyapuram.
Overall it touches Vinukonda, Gundlakamma, Darsi, Podili, Kanigiri, Pamuru, Vinjamuru, Dubagunta, Atmakuru, Obulayapalle, Rapuru and finally connects Venkatagiri at Gudur–Renigunta section.
In view of pressure from the Prime Minister’s Office to expedite all the infrastructure projects, railways have completed a 50 km long railway line of the project between Piduguralla-Savalyapuram.
However, land issues and funding for land acquisition have almost stalled further progress.
For instance, failure of the government to hand over land for a six to seven kms railway line at Gundlakamma village has restricted the progress of 80 kms work between Gundlakamma and Kanigiri.
Similarly, lack of farmers’ consent has halted work at Podili and Kanigiri. As regards Nellore district, around 2,138 acres of land is being acquired in 44 villages spread over 11 mandals.
The extent includes 899 acres of patta land, 529 acres of DKT (assigned) land, 125 acres of CJFS land and 584 acres of government land.
Revenue officials handed over 428 acres and passed draft awards one year back to acquire 825.86 acres of patta land in the district. They sought Rs 167 crore for land acquisition last year and have been waiting for release of funds ever since.
Unlike in Prakasam and Guntur, railways could not commence work in Nellore as the 428 acres given to them is in bits and pieces.
Although they are building a bridge on Boggeru river, railway officials are also wary of calling tenders for bridge works on the Penna River near Atmakur though the land has already been given.
