RVNL executes the work to register highest achievement on Indian Railways. In a record breaking feat on South Central Railway, the Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL) has completed and commissioned 69 kms of doubling of railway line between Uppaluru-Gudivada-Moturu and Gudivada-Machilipatnam on 22nd October, 2020, the highest such achievement on Indian Railways itself. The attainment comes as a gift for the people of Andhra Pradesh in the ensuing festive season.
- The newly commissioned double rail line section forms part of the Vijayawada -Gudivada – Bhimavaram – Narsapur.
- Gudivada – Machilipatnam & Narsapur – Nidadavolu Doubling and Electrification project of SCR, which is being executed at a cost of Rs. 3.000 Crore.
- The plans for the project were formalized by the Rail Ministry and work was entrusted to RVNL, the Public Sector undertaking of the Ministry.
- Accordingly, the project execution has been taken up in different phases. Out of the total length of 221 kms of the project, 124 kms is now completed while the balance of 97 kms is due for completion by mid-2021.
- The record 69 kms commissioning of double railway was achieved by first completing the section between Gudivada — Machilipatnam followed by completion of Uppaluru — Gudivada — Moturu sections.
- As a result, the complete 69 km stretch has been opened for traffic in one-go.
- This new line holds huge potential to ignite the economy of the Central Coastal Belt of Andhra Pradesh State.
- In addition to significantly strengthening rail transport infrastructure for seamless movement of freight and passenger traffic on rails, the new double rail line is bound to serve public aspirations in several ways.
- Business activity in the entire hinterland of the region, ranging from agriculture to aqua culture will get a big boost with access to various markets becoming more easy and convenient.
- Rail travel from the region is bound to overcome the earlier lack of proper connectivity, thereby offering scope for people to conveniently travel towards Rajahmundry, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Guntur, Nellore, Tirupati etc., in the State.
- Long distance travel towards cities as Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata also becomes more convenient.
- Yet another major benefit is, the project will pave way for a reliable alternate rail route to main line between Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam, which can be used in the event of any disturbance to train services on account of natural calamities like cyclones and heavy rains, the region is prone for.
- The execution of work by RVNL has seen best standards of workmanship, with modem construction practices and technology adoption seen in Engineering & Design.
- The entire 69 kms length is capable to handle 25 Ton axle loads of trains with a speed potential of 110 kmph.
- This has been possible with the use of 60 kg rail and 60 kg pre-stressed concrete cement sleepers, besides use of mobile flash butt welding plant for welding works.
- 11 Major Bridges and 222 Minor Bridges have been constructed by using the latest in bridge engineering technology.
- Giving a big thrust to train handling capacities, 7 station yards of Uppaluru, Indupalli, Gudivada, Moturu, Pedana, Kavutaram and Machilipatnam have been totally remodeled.
- The Signaling and Telecommunication works have been undertaken to the most modern standards of safety.
- State-of-the-art Signaling and Telecommunication features such as Electronic Inter-locking and Integrated Power Supply have been used in the entire section to match the best on Indian Railways.
- Electrically operated lifting barriers have been installed at 24 railway level crossing gates in the section, making it much safer for the road users.
- Energy Conservation features such as 100% LED lighting at railway stations, use of 5 Star rated Electrical Fixtures, Solar Power Panels at railway level crossing gates etc., mark the project execution.
- Passenger amenities too have been scaled up at railway stations by means of providing well planned circulating areas, booking concourse, high-level platforms, foot-over bridges, seating facilities, drinking water provision etc.
Shri Gajanan Mallya, General Manager, SCR expressed his happiness at this best ever achievement of the Zone and RVNL. He complemented the officials of both the organizations for undertaking execution of the works as per schedule, braving the unexpected impact of Covid-19 pandemic lockdown. The General Manager was of the view that the long felt needs of the Central Coastal Belt of Andhra Pradesh have met fulfillment, particularly with the historic Port Town of Machilipatnam getting its rail link significantly strengthened.
Source: South Central Railway-Press Release
