Andhra MP pushes for new railway corridor linking Palnadu to Ramayapatnam Port
During a meeting with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on May 11, Narasaraopet MP Dr. Akkarakula Narasimha Reddy urged the central government to approve a new railway line connecting the Piduguralla–Savalyapuram stretch to the deep‑water Ramayapatnam Port in Andhra Pradesh. The proposal, if sanctioned, aims to streamline freight movement from the state's hinterland to the east coast.
The Palnadu region, historically dependent on agriculture, has lacked direct rail connectivity, limiting its industrial growth. The proposed corridor, spanning roughly 120 kilometers, is part of the state’s broader logistics master plan unveiled in 2023 to boost export capacity and attract investment.
The Hindu reported that the MP emphasized the corridor’s potential to generate 5,000 jobs and reduce cargo transit time by up to 30 percent. The Railway Ministry’s spokesperson confirmed that a feasibility study is already underway, citing “preliminary alignment surveys.” Meanwhile, local business groups, represented by the Andhra Pradesh Chamber of Commerce, submitted a memorandum supporting the project, while opposition parties have raised concerns about land acquisition.
Transport economists suggest that the line could significantly enhance the region’s integration into national supply chains. “Connecting inland production zones to a deep‑draft port is a classic catalyst for regional development,” said Dr. S. Venkatesh, professor at Indian Institute of Technology Madras. He cautioned that project timelines could be delayed by bureaucratic clearances and environmental clearances.
The next step involves the Railway Board’s detailed project report, expected by September 2026. If approved, construction could commence in early 2027, with an anticipated operational date in 2031. Stakeholders will watch for the Ministry’s budget allocation decisions and any policy shifts regarding land acquisition reforms that could affect the project’s pace.