Andhra Pradesh Set to Become Logistics Powerhouse with Port Rail Links
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has set a bold vision to transform the state into a world-class logistics hub. He emphasized that the railway network will play a pivotal role in transporting approximately 22.5 million metric tonnes of horticultural produce from the state to markets across India. As part of this plan, the CM directed authorities to connect major ports such as Moolapeta, Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Machilipatnam, Ramayapatnam, and Krishnapatnam to main railway lines on a war-footing basis. He also instructed that freight movement from neighboring states like Telangana and Chhattisgarh be routed efficiently through Andhra Pradesh ports.
High-Speed Connectivity for Amaravati
Highlighting the development of the state capital, Amaravati, the CM proposed a high-speed rail project connecting Amaravati to Bengaluru via Chittoor and Tirupati. Officials informed him that surveys covering 864 km are complete and the project is estimated at ₹1,90,907 crore . Naidu also stressed the urgent completion of the Errupalem–Namburu railway line to ensure direct connectivity between Amaravati, Hyderabad, and Chennai.
Railway Projects Worth ₹34,310 Crore Under Construction
The CM reviewed railway connectivity from tribal regions and new railway corridors including the Vijayawada bypass and Bhadrachalam–Kovvur routes. Plans are underway to develop the Hyderabad–Chennai, Chennai–Bengaluru, and Hyderabad–Bengaluru lines as high-speed rail corridors . Officials reported that 39 new railway line projects , spanning 2,318 km and valued at ₹34,310 crore, are currently under construction in Andhra Pradesh, with 201 km expected to be completed this year. Naidu noted that the state’s railway route density is just 24.82 km per 1,000 sq km, much lower than Tamil Nadu, and urged planning to better connect Rayalaseema with the Coastal Andhra districts.
Boosting Industrial Growth and New Lines
To reduce industrial transportation costs, the CM called for constructing four railway lines from Ichapuram to Tad with an immediate DPR and a target of completion within three years. He instructed improvements to railway facilities in the Tirupati–Renigunta industrial hub and emphasized enhancing Rayalaseema–Coastal Andhra connectivity, accelerating pending projects like the Kadapa–Bengaluru broad gauge line to ease congestion.
Modernizing Stations for Amrit Bharat and Pushkarams
Under the Amrit Bharat scheme, Naidu directed the modernization of 73 railway stations in Andhra Pradesh by 2027. He specifically instructed upgrades to Rajahmundry station for the upcoming Godavari Pushkaram and Vijayawada station for the Krishna Pushkaram 2028. To address level-crossing issues, authorities were asked to expedite construction of ROB/RUB structures, ensuring smooth travel. The Nadikudi–Srikalahasti railway line is expected to be completed by March 2029.
In preparation for the Pushkarams, the railway department will operate 1,012 special trains and deploy 2,370 coaches to manage the expected influx of pilgrims.
The review meeting was attended by General Managers of South Central, East Coast, and South Coast Railways, along with senior officials from the state’s Transport, Finance, and Revenue departments.