UNION BUDGET-2023: Record allocation of Rs 8,406 cr for rail projects in AP
Divisional Railway Manager Shivendra Mohan addressing a press conference at DRM office in Vijayawada on Friday
Vijayawada: Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw, virtually interacting with the media of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana on the Railway Budget-2023 allocation stated, that Rs 2.41 lakh crore for Indian Railways is the highest-ever budgetary allocation made, which is about nine times the outlay made in 2013-14.
He also said that a staggering Rs 8,406 crore budgetary allocation was made for Andhra Pradesh in 2023-24. He sought the cooperation of States for executing the projects at a brisk pace and to come forward together to fulfill the developmental aspiration of people by keeping politics aside. The SCR has been sanctioned a staggering amount of Rs 13,786.19 crore for the year 2023-24 compared to Rs. 8,349.75 crore for the year 2022-23, nearly 65 per cent increase over last year. Under Amrit Bharat stations scheme, 1,275 stations were identified for redevelopment. As part of Green initiatives, Hydrogen powered trains will be rolled out by the end of 2023.
A sum of Rs 100 crore has been allocated for Kotipalli–Narsapur new line project. The new line works in this section involves construction of important major bridges on Gowthami, Vynatheya and Vasishta rivers, which are in progress.
A sum of Rs 20 crore has been allotted for Bhadrachalam - Kovvur new line project.
The project was sanctioned in the year 2012-13 for a distance of 151 km at a sanctioned cost of Rs 1,445 crore and later revised to Rs 2,154.83 crore.
Later, Divisional Railway Manager Shivendra Mohan briefed the media regarding the annual performance of Vijayawada division and highlights of Budget-2023-24. He said that the division has achieved a lot of progress in the current year and the earnings of the division would be on higher note compared to previous 2-3 years.
He also said that the division has taken up a lot of works to create infrastructural facilities, and also safety works and accomplished them within the target date of completion.
ADRM M Srikanth, DCM G Somasekhar Naidu, PRO Nusrat M. Mandrupkar, inspectors and staff took part in the press conference.