Central govt approves doubling of Guntur-Bibinagar railway track.

In a significant boost to infrastructure development, the central government has given the green light for the doubling of the railway track between Guntur and Bibinagar.

This 239 km-long project is anticipated to cost Rs. 2,853 crore.

The doubling of the Guntur-Bibinagar track, which is part of the Secunderabad-Guntur railway section, has been a longstanding demand from Andhra Pradesh. This project aims to enhance travel and transportation efficiency.

The proposed project will augment the current line capacity of this section, leading to smoother train operations, improved punctuality, and reduced wagon turnaround time.

Furthermore, it is expected to alleviate traffic congestion and boost cargo movement.

The Union Cabinet Committee on economic affairs has approved this project with the aim of significantly boosting cargo transportation.

Additionally, this project will shorten the distance between major cities such as Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. The doubling of the Guntur-Bibinagar track will also contribute to the industrialization of underdeveloped regions, including the Palnadu district in Andhra Pradesh and the Nalgonda district in Telangana.

This initiative is projected to generate direct employment for approximately 75 lakh people during the construction phase.

The Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), M Ramakrishna, said, "The Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs approved the project of doubling of the 'Guntur - Bibinagar (239km)’ at an estimated cost of Rs. 2,853.23 crore proposed by the Ministry of Railways."

He emphasized that this project aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a New India. It will alleviate operational challenges and congestion, thereby providing essential infrastructure development for one of the busiest segments of the Indian Railways. The project is expected to enhance the region's self-reliance by creating a versatile workforce, consequently expanding employment and self-employment opportunities.

The DRM also highlighted that this project will contribute to the "Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana" by promoting skill development. Given the consistent increase in both freight and passenger traffic between southern and eastern India to central and western India, the doubling of this railway section will be instrumental in meeting the rising transportation demands of passengers and freight customers.

ET