On October 4, 2024, the South Central Railway (SCR) organized a significant meeting. They met with Parliament Members from the Vijayawada, Guntur, and Guntakal divisions of Andhra Pradesh. The meeting occurred at the Electrical Traction Training Centre in Vijayawada. Two Union Ministers of State and 15 Members of Parliament (MPs) attended.
Shri Arun Kumar Jain is the General Manager of SCR. He, along with divisional railway managers and senior officials, welcomed the dignitaries. They discussed the current performance and future plans for the region’s rail services.
Key Topics Discussed: Passenger Services and Infrastructure
During the meeting, Shri Arun Kumar Jain provided a detailed update on SCR’s performance. He highlighted improvements in passenger services, freight loading, and infrastructure development. Some of the key developments involved adding new trains. There were also special train services introduced. Efforts were made to enhance station cleanliness and amenities.
A notable announcement was made. It was about the planned redevelopment of 56 railway stations in Andhra Pradesh. This is part of the Amrit stations initiative. The estimated budget for this project is ₹2,593 crore.
Ongoing and Upcoming Projects
The General Manager also shared details of ongoing and upcoming railway infrastructure projects in Andhra Pradesh. A significant part of the discussion focused on upgrading stations like Tirupati and Nellore. These upgrades have a combined budget of ₹414 crore. Vijayawada station’s development is planned under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. Additionally, track electrification is nearly complete in the state, with 97% of tracks electrified.
Shri Jain further informed that the total budget for ongoing railway projects in the state is approximately ₹55,000 crore. This includes projects such as new railway lines, doubling and tripling of tracks, and surveys. One major project is the 56-km-long railway line between Errupalem and Namburu via Amaravati. It is awaiting approval from the Railway Board. The estimated cost is ₹2,300 crore.
Focus on Passenger Amenities and Safety
The meeting also focused on improving passenger amenities. Shri Jain reported that 88 new lifts and 69 escalators had been installed across several stations. Additionally, 218 foot overbridges (FOBs) were built to enhance passenger safety.
Over 100 staffed level crossings have been removed in recent years. There are plans to eliminate another 257 crossings. This will be done through the construction of road over bridges (RoBs) and road under bridges (RuBs).
MPs’ Concerns and Suggestions
During the meeting, the Parliament Members appreciated SCR’s initiatives but also raised concerns related to railway development in their constituencies. Some of the demands included new railway lines, additional train services, more stoppages, and further enhancements to passenger facilities.
Shri Arun Kumar Jain assured the MPs that their suggestions would be considered during the planning of future projects. This consideration will ensure that the needs of the region are addressed.
The meeting ended positively. Both SCR officials and Parliament Members agreed. They believe these discussions will help shape the future of railway development in Andhra Pradesh. The allocated budget of ₹9,151 crore for the financial year 2024-25 shows the government’s commitment to enhancing rail connectivity. It also aims to improve the passenger experience in the state.
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