Cabinet green-lights ₹9,889 crore railway expansion in Andhra Pradesh

The Union Cabinet has sanctioned a major railway infrastructure project worth ₹9,889 crore in Andhra Pradesh, focusing on augmenting transport capacity between key commercial hubs. The centerpiece of the initiative involves laying third and fourth railway lines spanning 198 kilometres between Rajahmundry and Visakhapatnam, two major cities in the state.

The new lines are expected to significantly bolster regional connectivity, particularly to major ports that serve as gateways for maritime trade. The expanded rail network will also improve access to prominent tourist destinations across the coastal region, potentially boosting economic activity beyond freight operations.

According to project assessments, the enhanced railway infrastructure is projected to accommodate an additional 29.04 million tonnes of freight traffic annually. This substantial increase in cargo-handling capacity underscores the strategic importance of the corridor for industrial and trade corridors serving South and Southeast Asian markets.

The Rajahmundry-Visakhapatnam corridor plays a critical role in Andhra Pradesh's transport network, linking industrial zones with port facilities. The expansion is anticipated to reduce congestion on existing rail routes and improve overall operational efficiency for both passenger and freight services.