Visakha Railway Zone: Centre Faults Jagan!

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav stated that Rs.9,138 crores have been allocated for the development of railways in Andhra Pradesh (AP), and Rs.5,071 crores for Telangana in the interim budget.

Minister Ashwini Vaishnav mentioned that the AP government was asked to allocate 53 acres of land for the establishment of the Visakha Railway Zone, but the government has not yet handed it over. He added that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) is ready for setting up the Visakhapatnam Railway zone and work could commence once the land is provided.

During a media conference held in Delhi, the minister noted that before the BJP came to power, Rs.886 crores were allocated for the development of railways in the undivided AP state from 2009 to 2014. However, in the current budget, Rs.9,138 crores have been allocated to AP alone (Union Budget 2024). He further stated that new track works are being carried out at 240 km per year, and electrification of the lines has reached around 98 percent.

Regarding Telangana, Ashwini Vaishnav announced an allocation of Rs.5,071 crores for railways in the state. He mentioned that hundred per cent of electrification works have been completed in Telangana, with 414 flyovers and underpasses constructed at various locations over the past decade. Additionally, he highlighted a significant increase in the state’s investment in railways. He reminded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid the foundation stone for the Khajipet Coach Factory, emphasizing that work is progressing on it.