Plans to improve rail connectivity in Bhadradri Kothagudem district have gained fresh momentum, with Telangana Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao seeking the early execution of the Pandurangapuram-Saketapuri railway stretch.
The proposed stretch, covering about 16 km from Pandurangapuram to Saketapuri near Sarapaka, is being sought as an initial step toward the larger Pandurangapuram-Bhadrachalam-Malkangiri railway project. The request was made to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who responded positively and directed railway officials to take steps to speed up the process, according to reports published on September 3.
State Ready to Facilitate Land Acquisition
Minister Tummala reportedly highlighted several challenges affecting the larger railway project, including land acquisition, forest clearances and construction of the Godavari bridge and other bridges. Since resolving these issues could take additional time, he proposed prioritising the Pandurangapuram-Saketapuri section, where comparatively fewer obstacles are expected.
The minister also stated that the Telangana government is prepared to acquire the land required for the stretch and hand it over to the Railway Department, with the objective of enabling the works to move forward faster.
Potential Benefit for Bhadrachalam
Improved rail access to Saketapuri could make travel to the Bhadrachalam region more convenient. Bhadrachalam is an important pilgrimage destination because of the Sri Sitaramachandra Swamy Temple, and better connectivity could support the movement of devotees and visitors.
The larger railway project connecting Pandurangapuram and Malkangiri through Bhadrachalam has previously received approval from the Union government. The proposed line is expected to strengthen rail connectivity between the region and the wider railway network.
Industrial Connectivity
Rail connectivity is also expected to be significant for the industrial economy of Bhadradri Kothagudem district. Improved rail infrastructure could facilitate the movement of raw materials and finished products associated with the region’s industrial establishments.
Next Steps
Following the Centre’s positive response, the focus is now on expediting land acquisition for the Pandurangapuram-Saketapuri section and completing the process of handing over the required land to the Railway Department. The 16-km stretch could therefore become an important early component of the broader railway connectivity plan for Bhadrachalam and the surrounding region.
Author:
Ch Sashikumar
News Reporter at Snap News, covering Telangana news and reporting on important local and regional developments across the state.
