Rail Expansion to Strengthen Rayalaseema Connectivity, Says Naidu
The Union Cabinet approved the project on July 24
VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for the Union Cabinet's approval of the `1,264-crore project to construct the third and fourth railway lines between Guntakal in Andhra Pradesh and Ballari in Karnataka.
In a post on X on Saturday, Naidu said the project would strengthen the East-West rail corridor and improve connectivity between Rayalaseema, north Karnataka and Goa.
The Union Cabinet approved the project on July 24, paving the way for capacity enhancement on one of the region's key railway corridors. Naidu said the additional railway lines would help decongest the existing network, facilitate faster movement of passenger and freight trains, and improve operational efficiency.
The Chief Minister said nearly `600 crore of the total project cost would be spent in Andhra Pradesh, providing a boost to infrastructure and economic activity in the state.
He said the expanded rail network would support industrial growth and improve connectivity to Krishnapatnam Port and the upcoming Ramayapatnam Port, facilitating smoother freight movement and better logistics.
Naidu said the project would create new economic opportunities, strengthen regional trade and improve transport infrastructure across southern India. He added that it would benefit people in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka by improving connectivity, reducing congestion and supporting long-term economic development.
The Chief Minister described the Cabinet approval as another important step towards strengthening Andhra Pradesh's transport infrastructure and enhancing the state's integration with the national logistics network.
