Puri: AP railway network in major expansion mode

Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri highlighted the major expansion of the railway network in Andhra Pradesh.
Addressing a press conference on the Union Budget 2025 here on Friday, he noted that the expansion since 2014 has surpassed the scale of Sri Lanka’s entire railway system, underscoring the Centre’s commitment to the state’s development.
The minister announced the approval of greenfield airports at Dagadarthi, Bhogapuram, and Orvakal (Kurnool), along with upgrades to Vijayawada and Tirupati airports to international standards.
He also mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a new terminal building at Kadapa Airport.
Puri stated that funds under the PRASAD scheme have been sanctioned for the development of major temples, including those at Srisailam and Simhachalam, reaffirming the Centre’s focus on preserving cultural heritage.
Referring to Prime Minister Modi’s foundation stone laying for the Srikakulam Natural Gas Project in 2022, Puri outlined various welfare measures, such as free ration distribution to underprivileged citizens.
He assured that investments in irrigation projects, capital development, and port construction reflect the Centre’s long-term vision for Andhra Pradesh.
The minister highlighted the establishment of premier educational institutions in the state, including the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Visakhapatnam and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Tirupati, which are expected to boost education and research.
Puri described the 2024-25 budget as the first full-fledged budget under the anticipated Modi 3.0 administration, projecting India’s rise to the world’s fourth-largest economy. He pointed out that under Modi’s leadership, the number of airports in India has doubled from 75 to 150, while crude oil consumption has increased to 5.5 million barrels per day.
He recalled that on February 25, 2024, Prime Minister Modi dedicated AIIMS Mangalagiri, marking a significant milestone in healthcare infrastructure. Under the Smart Cities Mission, urban development projects have been launched in Amaravati, Kakinada, Tirupati, and Visakhapatnam. He also noted that three industrial corridors are being developed in the state under the Industrial Corridor Development Programme.
On the Polavaram project, Puri assured that necessary funds have been allocated for its completion. He announced a record allocation of Rs 9,417 crore for Andhra Pradesh’s railway budget for 2024-25, an 11-fold increase from the average allocation of Rs 886 crore between 2009 and 2014. A new 57-km railway line connecting Errupalem, Amaravati, and Namburu is expected to be completed within five years.
He also noted that Andhra Pradesh has achieved 100% electrification of railway tracks, with six Vande Bharat trains currently operational. Additionally, 73 railway stations are undergoing redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
Infrastructure development remains a key focus, with over 4,741 km of national highways constructed and five greenfield corridors being developed under the Bharatmala Project. The Bengaluru-Kadapa-Vijayawada Expressway, worth Rs 14,000 crore, is currently under construction.
Reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to industrial growth in Andhra Pradesh, Puri discussed initiatives such as the Visakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor (VCIC) and industrial hubs in Machilipatnam, Donakonda, and Yerpedu-Srikalahasti, which are expected to drive economic growth.
On economic and political matters, Puri asserted that India’s policies have strengthened its global standing. He dismissed concerns over rising petrol prices, stating that fuel prices in India remain competitive compared to many countries. He also expressed confidence in the BJP’s prospects in the upcoming elections in Bihar.