New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has officially approved the construction of the Rajahmundry (Nidadavolu) – Visakhapatnam (Duvvada) 3rd and 4th railway lines. Part of a broader effort to expand the Indian Railways network, this 198-km quadrupling project is estimated to cost ₹9,889 crore and is expected to be completed by 2030-31.

Decongestion of a Critical Freight Corridor The project is a vital component of the Howrah – Chennai High Density Network (HDN) and serves as one of the busiest freight-oriented sections of the East Coast Rail Corridor. Currently, the section operates at 130% capacity utilization, leading to frequent congestion and operational delays. By adding two additional lines, the project will significantly enhance mobility and service reliability, particularly as industrial and port activities in the region continue to expand.

Key Infrastructure and Engineering Highlights The project includes several significant engineering feats and alignment improvements:

• A major 4.3 km rail bridge over the Godavari River.
• A 2.67 km viaduct.
• Construction of three bypasses.
• A new alignment that is approximately 8 km shorter than the existing route, further improving operational efficiency.

Regional Impact and Economic Empowerment The expansion will traverse five districts in Andhra Pradesh: East Godavari, Konaseema, Kakinada, Anakapalle, and Visakhapatnam. Notably, it will provide improved connectivity to the Visakhapatnam Aspirational District, fostering better access to healthcare and education.

Strategically, the lines will bolster logistics for major ports along the East Coast, including Visakhapatnam, Gangavaram, Machilipatnam, and Kakinada. It is anticipated to handle an additional 29.04 MTPA of freight traffic, including commodities such as coal, cement, iron, steel, and foodgrains.

Sustainability and Tourism Developed under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the project emphasizes multi-modal connectivity and environmental responsibility:

• Employment: The initiative is set to generate 135 lakh human-days of work.
• Cost Savings: Annual logistics savings are estimated at ₹1,150.56 crore compared to road transport.
• Environment: The project will reduce CO2 emissions by about 51.49 crore kg, equivalent to planting 2.06 crore trees.
• Tourism: Enhanced rail access will benefit pilgrims and tourists visiting sites such as Annavaram, Antarvedi, and Draksharamam.

This project reinforces the “Vision of a New India,” aiming to create “Atmanirbhar” (self-reliant) communities through comprehensive regional development and modernized infrastructure.