Centre clears Rs 9,470 crore railway projects for AP

1. Construction is underway on 1,560 km of new railway lines across the state
2. 717 road overbridges (ROBs) and road underbridges (RUBs) have been completed
4. Development works are in progress at 73 railway stations

The Union government has approved railway projects worth Rs 9,470 crore for Andhra Pradesh in the 2024-25 financial year, Union Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna announced it on Sunday. The allocation reflects the Centre’s focus on accelerating rail infrastructure and connectivity across the state. Addressing the media during his visit to Hindupur and Somandepalli in Sri Sathya Sai district, Somanna said Andhra Pradesh currently operates eight Vande Bharat Express trains.

Notably, Hindupur has become the first taluk-level town in the country to receive a Vande Bharat stoppage. “This is a special gift from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the people of Hindupur,” he said. Earlier in the day, the minister, along with Andhra Pradesh BC Welfare Minister S. Savitha, inaugurated a redeveloped railway station at Chakarlapalli in Somandepalli mandal, completed at a cost of Rs 4 crore. Later, at Hindupur, he flagged off the Yeshwanthpur-Hyderabad Vande Bharat Express stoppage, accompanied by Hindupur MP B. K. Parthasarathi.

Highlighting the scale of ongoing works, Somanna said construction is underway on 1,560 km of new railway lines across the state. In addition, 717 road overbridges (ROBs) and road underbridges (RUBs) have been completed to ease traffic congestion and enhance safety. Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, development works are in progress at 73 railway stations in Andhra Pradesh, including Tirupati, Nellore, Visakhapatnam, Hindupur and Prasanthi Nilayam. These upgrades aim to improve passenger amenities, accessibility and station aesthetics. Somanna credited the combined leadership of Prime Minister Modi and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for the state’s rapid infrastructure growth. He added that additional railway funds have been earmarked to support the development of the state capital Amaravati, underscoring the Centre’s commitment to Andhra Pradesh’s long-term connectivity and economic expansion.v