Minister advocates for better rail connectivity in Srikakulam

Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu underscored the urgent need to enhance rail connectivity in Srikakulam district, which borders Odisha, to better integrate it with the rest of the country. Addressing railway officials during a meeting at Khurda Road DRM in Bhubaneswar on Friday, the minister called for swift action in upgrading the region’s rail infrastructure. “The development of Srikakulam’s rail network is essential not just for local growth but also for strengthening our national connectivity,” said Rammohan Naidu, urging railway authorities to prioritise projects that link this critical region.
During the meeting, chaired by East Coast Railway General Manager Parameshwar Pankwal, Cuttack MP Bhartruhari Mahtab was unanimously elected by the MPs in the divisional railway election. Speaking at the event, Minister Naidu highlighted the importance of introducing the Vandebharat semi-high-speed sleeper class train, connecting Bhubaneswar, Srikakulam Road, Vijayawada, and Secunderabad. “This route will not only connect three state capitals but also significantly improve travel efficiency for passengers across the region,” Naidu explained.
The Minister also advocated for a Vande Bharat train service between Puri and Tirupati, stating, “Linking these two iconic pilgrimage sites—Puri Jagannath Temple and Tirumala Venkateswara Swamy Temple—will benefit devotees and boost tourism.”
During his visit, Naidu reviewed key railway development works in Srikakulam district under the Amrit Bharat Scheme. He emphasised the need to reflect local culture in station designs and suggested direct platform access at Mandasa railway station. Expressing frustration with delays in the Mandasa and Jadupudi RBO projects, he urged authorities to expedite the completion of these works. “The progress is too slow, and we must accelerate to meet our development goals,” Naidu remarked.
Ichapuram MLA Bendalam Ashok, who attended the meeting, requested DRM HM Bajwa to include Ichapuram as a stop for several important trains. “Ensuring stoppages at Ichapuram is crucial for the convenience of local travellers,” Ashok noted.