Hyderabad: The new Railway line between New Piduguralla – Savalyapuram for a distance of 46 Kms has been completed and commissioned for train operations. This new railway line is a part of Nadikudi – Srikalahasti’s new railway line project in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The maximum permissible speed with which trains can be operated in this new non-electrified railway line is at 80 Kmph.
The new line between New Piduguralla – Savalyapuram will facilitate direct traffic movement from Secunderabad to Dhone direction via New Piduguralla, bypassing Nallapadu junction. This 46 Kms new rail line will reduce the distance by approximately 96 Kms for the rail travel between Secunderabad to Dhone via Nadikude as compared to the earlier route passing through Nallapadu.
Nadikudi – Srikalahasti new railway line project is one of the important & prestigious projects taken up in the State of Andhra Pradesh by South Central Railway connecting interior regions of Guntur, Prakasham and Nellore Districts on the rail map. The project was sanctioned in the year 2011-12 for a distance of 309 kms at an estimated cost of Rs.2289 Cr under 50 % cost-sharing basis between Railways and Government of Andhra Pradesh along with the provision of required land free of cost by State Government.
The project is being executed in 5 phases : Phase-I: Piduguralla – Savalyapuram (47 km), Phase-II: Gundlakamma – Darsi (27 Km), Phase-III: Darsi – Kanigiri (52 Km) & Venkatagiri – Alturipadu (15 Km)
Phase-IV: Kanigiri – Pamuru (35 Km) & Atluripadu – Venkatapuram (43 km), Phase-V: Pamuru – Obulayapalle – Venkatapuram (90 km)
The project has been taken up for the expansion of rail network in Andhra Pradesh State and it is conceptualized as an alternate route to the present Coastal Railway line between Vijayawada and Chennai. The present route is saturated and sometimes is subjected to cyclones and floods, resulting in serious rail traffic disruptions. The proposed new line will not only act as an alternate route but will also facilitate freight transport in this mineral-rich belt, besides offering scope for substantial passenger traffic. The project once completed, will serve as the shortest route between Guntur and the temple town, Tirupati.
Gajanan Mallya, General Manager, South Central Railway has congratulated all the Officials and staff of Guntur Division, Construction organization who have played key role in successful completion of this vital Project in Andhra Pradesh region. He opined that completion of this project has paved way for smooth and timely running of freight trains as well as enhancement of passenger trains. He also advised to maintain the same tempo in execution of the work for the entire project which will help in developing the region and will ease out the traffic congestion.
