In a significant boost for the development of railway infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh, the Union Budget 2025 has allocated Rs 9,417 crores for various railway projects within the state. The announcement marks an 11-fold increase in comparison to previous allocations, signaling a major investment in the region’s rail network.
Speaking to media, the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Guntur, Ramakrishna, explained that the meeting with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw focused on this substantial allocation. He stated, “Today, a review meeting was conducted with the Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The key agenda of the meeting was the allocation of Rs 9,417 crores for the development of various railway projects in Andhra Pradesh. Compared to previous allocations, this budget is 11 times higher.”
He further emphasized, “So far, projects worth Rs 84,559 crores have been sanctioned and invested in the state. Additionally, 73 railway stations are undergoing complete redevelopment.”
Ramakrishna highlighted the progress of the ongoing infrastructure projects, noting, “In the first year, all infrastructure-related works were carried out under various planned projects, with an expenditure of approximately Rs 268 crores. This year, as of January 31st, we have already spent Rs 244 crores.”
The DRM also pointed out that an additional Rs 370 crores has been allocated for further infrastructure investments, with a projected total capital expenditure of Rs 320 crores by the end of the year. This indicates sustained growth in capital investment for the state.
Additionally, over the last 10 years, 1,560 kilometers of new railway tracks have been constructed in Andhra Pradesh, surpassing the entire railway network of Sri Lanka. Ramakrishna also mentioned that eight pairs of Vande Bharat trains are currently operational and that Navbharat trains, similar to the Vande Bharat, will be introduced at affordable prices nationwide. Furthermore, over 7,000 kilometers of old railway tracks across the country are being replaced.
Focusing on Guntur division projects, Ramakrishna discussed the Nadikudi-Srikalahasti project, which covers 309 kilometers and is estimated to cost Rs 2,333 crores. While 90 kilometers of this project have been completed, an additional 53 kilometers are set for completion soon.
The Guntur-Guntakal doubling project has received all necessary clearances, with tunnel works scheduled to begin in the first week of February 2025. The land acquisition for the Eru Palem-Amaravati-Namburu railway line has already started, and earthwork tenders will be issued within five months. The Guntur-Bibinagar project, spanning 239 kilometers, is also in progress with work having commenced on the Kokkadam-Miryalaguda section.
Earlier, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu praised the 2025-26 Union Budget, stating that it aligns with the vision of a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047. He added, “People all over the world are watching India’s development,” referencing his recent visit to Switzerland’s Davos.
In the Union Budget 2025, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman outlined a roadmap for India’s economic expansion, focusing on sectors like agriculture, MSMEs, and exports. One key highlight was the announcement of income tax relief for those earning up to Rs 12 lakh, providing significant relief to middle-class taxpayers. Sitharaman stated, “To taxpayers up to Rs 12 lakh of normal income (other than special rate income such as capital gains), a tax rebate is being provided in addition to the benefit due to slab rate reduction in such a manner that there is no tax payable by them.”
However, the Congress and other opposition parties criticized the budget for its silence on the unemployment crisis, accusing the government of undermining the MGNREGA scheme.