Ministry approves 3rd line between Khurda Road and Vizianagaram

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced government approval for constructing a third railway line between Khurda Road in Odisha and Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh, responding to a query by YSRCP member V Vijayasai Reddy in the Rajya Sabha on Friday. The project includes the 363-km third railway line from Khurda Road to Vizianagaram and the 22-km third railway line between Nergudi-Barang in the Bhadrak-Vizianagaram section, costing an estimated Rs 4,962 crore. Minister Vaishnav cautioned that predicting the completion timeline is challenging due to various factors.
During his explanation, the Railway Minister emphasised the importance of various factors for project completion, such as prompt land acquisition, permissions from the Forest Department, approvals from government agencies, and a thorough land study. He also highlighted the need to strengthen security at the project site. Minister Vaishnav underscored the complexity of railway construction projects, stating that estimating completion requires considering factors like weather conditions and the duration of work throughout the year.
In another development, Union Minister Darshana Jardosh announced a significant boost for Andhra Pradesh’s handicraft sector. Responding to a question in the Rajya Sabha by Vijaya Sai Reddy, she revealed that Rs 3,911.25 crore had been allocated to the State over the past five years under various development schemes. Out of this, Rs 2,439.8 crore was spent under NHDP and CHDC schemes, while Rs 532.26 crore was utilised under the Comprehensive Handicraft Cluster Development Scheme.
Explaining the distinct objectives of NHDP and CHDC schemes, Minister Jardosh stated that CHDC targets infrastructure and production chains in areas with over 10,000 artisans, while NHDP aims to create marketing platforms for individual artisans and small clusters, enhancing skills and providing social security. She detailed NHDP initiatives such as marketing facilities, skill development, cluster development, formation of producer companies, direct benefits to artisans, infrastructure development, technical cooperation, and research and development assistance.
Furthermore, Minister Jardosh said that Andhra Pradesh was allocated Rs.106.45 crore in the financial year 2022-23 and Rs.57.75 crore in 2023-24 under this scheme.