Hyderabad: The almost 25-year-old dream of Rayalaseema region was fulfilled yesterday (Tuesday) with the inauguration of a new railway line linking Nandyal in Kurnool districts to Yerraguntala in Cuddapah district.
The 123-kms-long railway line, built at a cost of Rs9.67 billion, provides the railway connectivity to one of the most backward and underdeveloped pockets of the region.
Union Minister Suresh Prabhu flagged off the first Nandyal-Cudappah passenger train marking the inauguration of the new line through remote control in the presence of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Union Minister for Urban Development M Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday.
Speaking on the occasion Suresh Prabhu said the new line will connect Rayalaseema region to the new upcoming capital of Andhra Pradesh, Amaravati.
Reiterating that the Centre was committed to the development of Andhra Pradesh he said the Centre will extend full assistance to the state.
M Venkaiah Naidu recalled that this railway line was the dream of the former Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao and he was very happy that today the dream had become a reality.
He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed that the completion of the pending project should be given top priority.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu rued that so far Andhra Pradesh was neglect in the sector of railways and expressed hope that the minister for railways Suresh Prabhu will ensure justice to the state.
Recalling the land for the Nandyal-Yerraguntala line was allotted in 1996, Naidu regretted that it took 20 long years to complete the railway line.
He said this was the most important railway line in Rayalaseema as it will provide connectivity between the ports and the cement factories. Naidu thanked Suresh Prabhu for fast tracking the project.
