Central Government Approves New Railway Line Project
The Central Government has issued a gazette notification to construct a 173.6 km broad gauge railway line connecting Malkangiri in Odisha to Pandurangapuram via Bhadrachalam. This project, approved by the Union Cabinet on August 10, has been officially declared a special railway project by the Railway Ministry.
Land Acquisition Process Begins
Tenders for land acquisition in three states—Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha—have been invited from Thursday until December 4. Once the tender process is concluded, both government and private lands will be acquired under the Railway Land Acquisition Act, 2008.
State-wise Land Acquisition Details
The railway track will cover 19.7 km in Telangana, 85.5 km in Andhra Pradesh, and 68.3 km in Odisha. The Union Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved this project as part of the “Prime Minister Gati Shakti” scheme. The total project cost is estimated to be ₹3,592 crores.
Benefits of the New Railway Line
The new railway line is expected to bring many benefits. It will make travel easier for pilgrims visiting Bhadrachalam, a popular temple town, especially those coming from other states. Additionally, the project is anticipated to boost education, trade, tourism, healthcare, and other sectors in the region. Industries in Odisha and Telangana will also benefit by gaining easier access to the Kakinada port, reducing transportation distances.
Survey Completed
The Final Location Survey (FLS) for the new Pandurangapuram-Malkangiri railway line was completed in September 2023. This marks a significant step toward the project’s execution.
