In a significant boost to infrastructure and connectivity in South India, the Narendra Modi-led Union Cabinet announced a slew of developmental projects for Andhra Pradesh, including a new railway line and other key initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life in the state.
The headline project is the approval of the doubling of the Tirupati–Pakala–Katpadi railway line, a 104-kilometer stretch spanning Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, at an estimated cost of Rs 1,332 crore. This ambitious railway expansion is set to benefit over 400 villages and approximately 14 lakh people, including pilgrims visiting the revered Tirumala temple.
The project promises smoother and faster rail travel, enhanced freight capacity of 4 million tonnes annually, and the creation of around 35 lakh human-days of direct employment, significantly reducing logistics costs in the region.
Among these is the allocation of funds for modernizing infrastructure, including upgrades to existing railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme and the sanctioning of additional Vande Bharat trains to enhance high-speed connectivity between Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, and other major cities.
Beyond railways, the Cabinet approved a series of road and energy projects aimed at bolstering connectivity and sustainability.
In Andhra Pradesh, plans were unveiled to accelerate the completion of a multi-lane highway linking Amaravati to coastal regions, while Telangana received a nod for expanding its renewable energy infrastructure with new solar power installations. These initiatives align with the government’s broader vision of reducing carbon emissions and promoting eco-friendly development.
The announcements come as a timely boost for the TDP-led NDA government in Andhra Pradesh.
Local leaders and citizens have welcomed the announcements. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu called it a “game-changer” for the state’s growth trajectory.
With these projects, the Modi government continues to underscore its commitment to infrastructure as a driver of progress, positioning Andhra Pradesh as key beneficiary of its developmental largesse. As implementation begins, all eyes will be on how these boons translate into tangible benefits for the people of Andhra Pradesh.