In a significant step toward enhancing rail connectivity, the South Central Railway has successfully commissioned a new double line stretch between Betamcherla and Bugganapalle, as a part of the extensive Guntur – Guntakal doubling and electrification project. This recent development ensures a continuous double line with electrification over 113 kilometres between Guntakal and Bugganapalle.
More Details:
South Central Railway has given special emphasis for the ongoing Guntur – Guntakal Doubling project and works are in fast progress and few sections have been commissioned in different stretches during the current financial year. Continuing the same tempo, doubling of one more section between Betamcherla – Bugganapalle Cement Nagar for a distance of 6.2 Kms has been completed and commissioned along with electrification.
This section falls in Kurnool & Nandyal districts of Andhra Pradesh and with the completion of doubling of this section, now, there will be continuous double line facility along with electrification for 113 Kms between Guntakal – Bugganapalle.
Significance of the Project:
- Guntur – Guntakal Section is a vital rail link connecting Guntur city of Andhra Pradesh State with Rayalaseema region and beyond South.
- This line passes through Guntur, Prakasham, Palnadu, Nandyal and Kurnool Districts connecting the hinterland areas.
- In order to provide seamless transportation and ease the congestion on this section, Guntur – Guntakal Doubling & Electrification project was sanctioned in the year 2016-17, for a distance of 401 Kms with an estimated cost of Rs. 3887 Crores.
Progress Till Date:
- So far, doubling & electrification between Nallapadu – Giddalur (200 Km), Betamcherla – Guntakal (107 Kms) has already been completed and commissioned. With this, a total of 307 Kms of this project was completed and commissioned.
- Now, with the completion of another 6 Kms between Betamcherla – Bugganapalle, a total of around 313 Kms stretch of doubling works with electrification has been completed on the different stretches of Guntur – Guntakal.
This project will enhance speed of the trains:
- Most importantly, the trains can now be operated on a continuous stretch of 200 Kms between Guntur – Giddalur and 113 kms between Bugganapalle – Guntakal. The doubling of these sections will ease the congestion in this crucial section thus giving good mobility in Guntur – Guntakal section.
- The works in the balance section of the project viz., Bugganapalle – Giddalur are in fast progress. Completion of doubling and electrification of the entire project will not only decongest the section but also helps in increasing the average speed of the trains.
Conclusion:
The newly commissioned double line between Betamcherla and Bugganapalle significantly enhances rail connectivity and efficiency in Andhra Pradesh, promising improved travel and economic growth in the region. This development marks a crucial step forward in the Guntur – Guntakal project, paving the way for more reliable and swift railway services.
Source: SCR – Press Release | Images Credit (representational): SCR
