Centre Approves ₹1,946 Crore for Rail Doubling and Electrification in South-Central Railway Zone.

In a major infrastructure push, the Ministry of Railways has approved projects worth ₹1,946 crore to modernise and strengthen key assets in the South-Central Railway (SCR) zone, aiming to boost safety, speed, and operational efficiency across vital rail corridors in Andhra Pradesh.

The Centre has sanctioned nearly ₹200 crore for electrification of strategic routes and cleared the way for doubling the Motumarri–Vishnupuram line, currently a single-track section. The ₹1,746.20 crore doubling project, already underway between Motumarri and Jaggayyapeta, promises a shorter, high-capacity route connecting Secunderabad and Vijayawada for both passenger and freight traffic.

Electrification and infrastructure upgrades will span the Pagidipalli–Guntur and Motumarri–Vishnupuram sections—two of the busiest corridors in the region. The works include track renewal, replacement of worn-out rails and sleepers, strengthening of bridges and culverts, and installation of 25kV traction lines supported by two additional sub-stations.

Officials said the Guntur–Pagidipalli section is a major passenger route, while Motumarri–Vishnupuram serves as a key industrial corridor, generating significant freight revenue from cement shipments. The upgrades are part of the national track renewal programme aimed at ensuring smoother and faster train operations.

The projects are expected to improve regional connectivity, travel comfort, and freight movement. Doubling and electrifying the Motumarri–Vishnupuram stretch will also help decongest the heavily used Vijayawada–Kazipet line, while faster, more direct train operations between Guntur and Secunderabad will strengthen intercity connectivity across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Authorities noted that the modernisation of the Guntur–Secunderabad section will support future links with Amaravati. With the proposed Amaravati railway line expected to take 5–8 years for completion, the upgraded routes will provide alternative capacity to handle new traffic and ensure seamless connectivity.