Kotla Jaya Surya Prakash Reddy, Hon’ble Minister of State for Railways laid the foundation stone for Doubling / Electrification of Vijayawada-Gudivada-Machilipatnam; Gudivada-Bhimavaram; Narsapur-Bhimavaram-Nidadavolu branch line Sections of Vijayawada Division today (11th April, 2013) at a grand function held at Bhimavaram Town Railway Station.Addressing the gathering, Shri Kotla Jaya Surya Prakash Reddy, stated that the ambitious Doubling & Electrification project which has been grounded today heralds a new dawn in the regions rail transport infrastructure. The entire project is estimated to cost Rs.1500 Crs spread over 221 Kms covering 51 Railway stations, he informed. The Minister detailed the Rail Budget highlights in the current year for South Central Railway including introduction of new train services, extension of trains, increase in frequency as well as undertaking of various new projects including a Coach Mid life Rehabilitation Workshop at Kurnool.
Earlier, Shri Devi Prasad Pande, General Manager, South Central Railwayin his welcome address spoke on the performance of South Central Railway during the financial year 2012-13 in which the zone has registered the highest ever freight loading of 111.50 million tonnes and crossed a significant mile stone of Rs.10000 Crs in gross earnings. The priority being accorded towards passenger amenities and the focus on “rail customer” by SCR was stressed.
Shri Kanumuri Bapi Raju, Hon’ble Member Parliament, Narasapuram who presided over the function acknowledged the initiative of SCR in undertaking this important Doubling & Electrification project which serves as a very vital coastal rail link supplementing the Vijayawada-Visakhapatnam main line.
The dignitaries included Shri Konakalla Narayana Rao, Hon’ble MP (LS), Machilipatnam, Shri Pulaparthi Ramanjaneyulu, Hon’ble MLA, Bhimavaram, Shri. V V Shiva Rama Raju, Hon’ble MLA, Undi, Smt Bangaru Usha Rani, Hon’ble MLA, Palakol Shri Meka Seshu Babu and Shri Angara Rama Mohan, Hon’ble MLCs.
