Railway Projects in Andhra Pradesh
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 2573
ANSWERED ON: 10.03.2025
Railway Projects in Andhra Pradesh
Jayadev Galla
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:-
(a) The details of the projects that have been conceived and undertaken by the Railways after announcing Amaravati as the new capital of Andhra Pradesh;
(b) The status of each of the above projects, project wise;
(c) The allocation made to each of the above projects;
(d) Whether the Railways is planning to go ahead with the projects conceived despite the decision to create three capitals by Andhra Pradesh; and
(e) If so, the details thereof
ANSWER: MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, COMMERCE & INDUSTRY AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)
(a) to (e) The work of Vijayawada-Guntur via Amaravathi New Railway Line was included in the budget 2017-18 subject to requisite Government approvals. Detailed Project Report (DPR) was made for Errupalem – Namburu via Amaravati single line (56.53 km) with an assessed cost of Rs.1732.56 crore. The project was sent to NITI Aayog for appraisal. NITI Aayog had suggested approaching State Government for cost sharing of this new line project. However, Government of Andhra Pradesh has not agreed for cost sharing. In view of Government of Andhra Pradesh not agreeing for cost sharing, the project could not be processed further for sanction.
Here’s a comprehensive and up-to-date look at ongoing and upcoming railway projects in Andhra Pradesh, highlighting infrastructure investments, new lines, and redevelopment plans:
Major Railway Initiatives in Andhra Pradesh
1. Union Budget 2025 Allocation
- Andhra Pradesh secured a record ₹9,417 crore in the 2025–26 Railway Budget—an 11-fold increase over the 2009–14 average allocation.
- Across various projects, the investment tops ₹84,559 crore, reflecting intensive infrastructure development.
- The state boasts 100% railway electrification, and in the past decade, 1,560 km of new tracks were added—surpassing Sri Lanka’s entire network.
- 73 railway stations are under redevelopment via the Amrit Bharat Station scheme.
2. New Railway Line Projects
Nadikudi – Srikalahasti Section
- A 308 km line under construction, serving as an alternative route connecting Secunderabad-Guntur and Gudur-Tirupati. Estimated cost runs into several thousand crores.
Errupalem – Amaravathi – Namburu Line
- Proposal to construct a 57 km line (27 km track plus a 3.2 km bridge) across the Krishna River, connecting Errupalem and Namburu via the new capital Amaravathi.
- Estimated cost: ₹450 crore (track) + ₹350 crore (bridge). Tenders expected soon; land acquisition is significant.
Kadapa – Bangalore Section
- A 260 km broad-gauge link underway with portions operational; aimed at enhancing Rayalaseema’s connectivity.
3. Track Doubling & Safety Upgrades
Ballari – Chikjajur Doubling
- Part of a cabinet-approved multi-tracking initiative worth ₹6,405 crore, covering Andhra Pradesh alongside Karnataka and Jharkhand.
Kavach Safety System Expansion
- Already operational on 1,465 km, Kavach will cover an additional 3,100 km, totaling 4,655 km in the SCR zone for enhanced rail safety.
4. Station Redevelopment Projects
Visakhapatnam Station Upgrade
- A ₹466 crore project transforming the station from 8 to 14 platforms, adding escalators, air concourse, improved yards, and fencing for speeds up to 160 km/h. Completion targeted by 2027.
Rayanapadu Station (Vijayawada Region)
- Redeveloped with a new façade inspired by Kondapalli toys, Platform 1 facelift, waiting halls, modular toilets, and improved circulation. Completed ahead of schedule.
Summary Table
| Project/Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Budget Allocation | ₹9,417 crore (2025–26), ₹84,559 crore total projects |
| New Lines | Nadikudi–Srikalahasti; Errupalem–Amaravathi–Namburu; Kadapa–Bangalore |
| Doubling & Multitracking | Ballari–Chikjajur line within ₹6,405 crore cabinet project |
| Safety Enhancements | Kavach extended to 4,655 km in SCR zone |
| Station Redevelopment | 73 Amrit Bharat stations; major upgrades at Visakhapatnam & Rayanapadu |
| Electrification & Track Expansion | State is fully electrified; 1,560 km new track in the past decade |
Why It Matters
- These investments strengthen connectivity, particularly for the new capital Amaravathi, Rayalaseema, and Visakhapatnam regions.
- The station upgrades and safety systems like Kavach modernize operations, improve passenger experience, and increase network reliability.
- Andhra Pradesh is clearly positioning itself as a growth corridor in India’s rail network through futuristic planning and execution.
What’s Next?
To stay updated on tender releases or project timelines:
- Track the South Central Railway / Railway Board’s Works Programme webpage.
- Monitor regional newspaper sites and government notifications for tender alerts and progress reports.
- Let me know if you’d like help tracking a specific project or extracting detailed info once the Pink Book or zonal works documents are released.