For decades, the people of Andhra Pradesh have dreamed of establishing a dedicated railway zone with Visakhapatnam at its core. This long-awaited vision is now on the verge of realization, with Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu announcing that the Visakha Railway Zone office will be set up in December. This announcement, which comes after a series of negotiations with central authorities, represents a major milestone in AP’s infrastructure and economic development.
After a recent meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other central ministers, Naidu revealed that funds have been allocated by the central government for the Visakha Railway Zone. Despite some delays due to land allocation issues, the state government has resolved these obstacles, paving the way for the establishment of the central office. The Chief Minister highlighted that the Waltheru Railway Division would become part of this new zone, addressing significant administrative hurdles and enhancing the region’s railway network.
This new development is expected to bring a substantial boost to Andhra Pradesh’s connectivity and economic growth. Plans are underway to expand the Howrah-Chennai line from two lanes to four, enhancing cargo and passenger traffic. Additionally, the Visakha Railway Zone will connect various towns from Srikakulam to Nellore, further integrating AP’s transport network.
In a broader vision, CM Naidu has also called for bullet train connectivity linking Amaravati, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore. This high-speed rail network would traverse key economic hubs, driving economic activity across the state. The AP government is also pushing for the modernization of its railway stations to enhance passenger experience and operational efficiency.
During his visit to Delhi, Naidu also discussed other key infrastructure projects, including the establishment of the National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology in AP. This initiative is expected to bolster the state’s burgeoning semiconductor and electronics industry, creating new job opportunities for the youth.
The Chief Minister underscored the importance of integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into governance, proposing a comprehensive approach similar to the state’s prior emphasis on IT. An upcoming Drone Summit, scheduled for October 22nd and 23rd, will further explore the potential of emerging technologies in advancing AP’s development goals.
Additionally, Naidu confirmed the Centre’s support for various road projects across the state. With assurances from Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, projects like the Eastern Bypass and other state highways are set for rapid completion. This includes the Kuppam-Hosur greenfield project, which will link Bhogapuram Airport to Visakha Beach, establishing a critical industrial corridor.
As AP gears up for these transformative changes, the establishment of the Visakha Railway Zone stands as a symbol of the state’s ambitions and its determination to build a prosperous future. This new zone will not only fulfill a decades-old dream but will also bring renewed economic vitality to the region.
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