HYDERABAD: Third-line and electrification works on the Vijayawada-Kazipet railway route, one of the busiest corridors under the South Central Railway zone, have reached a key stage.
The ₹1,952 crore project covers 219 km, of which 194 km has already been completed. Railway officials aim to finish the remaining 25 km stretch between Dornakal and Mahabubabad within two months.
Busy rail corridor to get capacity boost
At present, trains travelling from Hyderabad, Kazipet and Warangal towards Vijayawada face heavy congestion on the route. Passenger movement to southern states and freight transportation largely depend on this corridor, leading to traffic pressure.
Railway officials said the project would help ease congestion on the Grand Trunk route, one of the country's busiest railway corridors. It is also expected to improve connectivity between northern, southern, eastern and western states.
The Vijayawada-Kazipet section provides key connectivity to coal mines, thermal power plants and cement industries. Industries in Vishnupuram and Janpahad regions are expected to benefit from improved cement transportation facilities.
Freight and passenger trains expected to benefit
The additional line will allow easier movement of heavy freight trains arriving from the Kazipet-Balharshah side, reducing pressure on passenger services.
Railway officials said travel time for long-distance trains from Telangana to Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata and Tirupati via Vijayawada could also reduce after the project is completed.
According to railway estimates, the project will significantly improve rail transport capacity between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh and create scope for operating additional trains in the future.
In the Vijayawada-Kazipet section, 118 km of the third line has already been opened in phases. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to dedicate the track to the nation during an event in Hyderabad on Sunday.
The remaining 25 km stretch on the third line is still pending completion.