SCR Commissions New Railway Line between Gundlakamma – Darsi
The 27 kms section has been constructed as part of Nadikudi – Srikalahasti New Railway line Project
The new railway line between Gundlakamma – Darsi for a distance of 27 kms has been completed and commissioned for train operations. This new railway line is a part of Nadikudi – Srikalahasti new railway line project in the state of Andhra Pradesh. To begin with, the trains in this non-electrified rail section have been permitted to be operated at a maximum permissible speed of 75 kmph.
The Nadikudi – Srikalahasti New Railway line project is one of the important & prestigious projects taken up in the State of Andhra Pradesh by South Central Railway. It connects several new areas in the interior regions of Guntur, Prakasham and Nellore Districts for the first time with the rail network. The project was sanctioned in the year 2011-12 for a distance of 309 Kms at an estimated cost of Rs. 2,289 Cr, with 50% cost sharing basis between Railways and Government of Andhra Pradesh along with provision of required land free of cost by State Government.
The project is being executed in 5 phases:
Phase-I: Piduguralla – Savalyapuram (47 km)
Phase-II: Gundlakamma – Darsi (27 Km)
Phase-III: Darsi – Kanigiri (52 Km) & Venkatagiri – Alturipadu (15 Km)
Phase-IV: Kanigiri – Pamuru (35 Km) & Atluripadu – Venkatapuram (43 km)
Phase-V: Pamuru – Obulayapalle – Venkatapuram (90 km)
The first section between Piduguralla – Savalyapuram for 47 kms has already been completed and commissioned along with electrification. The section between Nadikude – Piduguralla falls in the existing line connecting Bibinagar with Guntur and the section between Savalyapuram – Gundlakamma falls on the existing rail line connecting Guntur with Guntakal. Now, with the completion and commissioning of the stretch between Gundlakamma – Darsi for 27 kms, a continuous stretch of 122 kms of rail lines between Nadikude – Darsi will be available for operation of train services.
The project has been taken up for the expansion of rail network in Andhra Pradesh State and it is conceptualized as analternate route to the present Coastal Railway line between Vijayawada and Chennai.The present route is saturated and sometimes is subjected to cyclone and floods, resulting inserious rail traffic disruptions.The proposed new line will not only act as an alternate route but will also facilitate freight transport in this mineral rich belt, besides offering scopefor substantial passenger traffic. The project once completed, will serve as the shortest route between Guntur and the temple town, Tirupati.
