The Indian government has announced plans for two new fast railway lines that will connect the two Telugu states. The proposal was made by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, G Kishan Reddy, and has been approved by the Railway Board. The first line will run from Shamshabad to Visakhapatnam via Vijayawada, while the second will connect Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Kurnool. The survey to determine the feasibility of these projects will be completed in six months. Once completed, the railways will enable trains to travel at a maximum speed of 220 kmph.
Kishan Reddy has stated that this decision is part of the government’s efforts to develop the Telugu states. In the last nine years, the Ministry of Railways has either completed or is in the process of executing works of more than Rs 30,000 crore related to new railway lines, doubling and tripling and electrification works. The Centre is also working towards improving amenities in close to 40 railway stations in Telangana, providing Wi-Fi connectivity, and introducing Vande Bharat Express trains in the two Telugu states.
Moreover, the Centre is undertaking projects such as the Wagon Manufacturing and Overhauling Factory in Kazipet, funding of the MMTS (Second Phase), and modernisation of Secunderabad Railway Station and Cherlapally Terminal in Telangana.
