The South Central Railway is making significant progress on the Nadikudi-Srikalahasti new railway line project in Andhra Pradesh. This 309 km long route is set to change the transport map of the region by connecting Guntur, Prakasam, and Nellore districts. Officials have confirmed that approximately 88.65 km of the track is now commissioned, bringing trains to towns that were previously unconnected.
Which areas are now connected?
The project is being executed in multiple phases to ensure timely completion. The first phase covering 47 km between Piduguralla and Savalyapuram was commissioned back in June 2020. More recently, the section connecting Gundlakamma to Darsi has also become operational.
This project is vital because it brings major towns like Darsi, Podile, Kanigiri, Atmakur, and Rapur onto the railway map for the first time. It serves as an alternate route to the heavily saturated Vijayawada-Chennai coastal line.
What is the progress on different phases?
The execution has been divided into five phases for better management. Here is the current breakdown of the key sections:
| Phase | Route | Length | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase-I | Piduguralla–Savalyapuram | 47 km | Commissioned |
| Phase-II | Gundlakamma–Darsi | 27 km | Commissioned |
| Phase-III | Darsi–Kanigiri | 52 km | In Progress |
| Phase-IV | Kanigiri–Pamuru | 35 km | Tenders Expected |
How much money is being spent?
The project was sanctioned with an initial estimated cost of Rs. 2,289 crore. It operates on a 50% cost-sharing basis between the Railways and the Andhra Pradesh government. The state government is also providing land free of cost for this massive infrastructure development.
Recently, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu ordered the release of Rs. 27 crore to accelerate the work. By June 2024, a total of Rs. 1,774 crore had already been spent on the project. For the financial year 2024-25, the budget allocation stands at Rs. 450 crore.
When will the full line be ready?
Work is moving fast in the Prakasam district, where officials are targeting the completion of the full district section by the end of 2026. Tenders for the Kanigiri–Pamuru stretch are expected to be floated by December 2025. Once fully completed, this line will offer the shortest route between Guntur and Tirupati, significantly helping passengers and freight movement in mineral-rich areas.
