Union Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Monday held detailed discussions with Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Railway Minister Sadanand Gowda and suggested expeditious action on various provisions of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act for the benefit of both the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Both the Ministers agreed with the suggestions of Naidu.
Rajnath Singh directed Home Secretary to convene meetings of all concerned central government ministries and departments at regular intervals to monitor the measures to be taken as per the provisions of AP Reorganisation Act.
Later in the day, Venkaiah Naidu held detailed discussions with the Union Railway Minister on various projects concerning both the states. Regarding new railway zone for Andhra Pradesh, Gowda said, the report of the Committee set up in this regard will submit its report by the end of this month and the same will be considered for further action. Naidu said while considering the report, the assurances given by the previous UPA government should be kept in view.
Naidu suggested setting up railway sleeper manufacturing units at Bitragunta and Nandaluru. Railway Minister responded saying that the existing units are running short of orders and this proposal will be considered when the demand picks up. He responded positively to Naidu’s suggestion of setting up solar power generation units at Nandaluru and Bitragunta, for which sufficient land is available. He was also positive about enabling loading of 10 tonnes of lemons at Gudur.
Regarding Jaggiahpeta-Mellacheruvu-Janpahad rail line to meet the transport demand of cement factories in the region, Railway Minister informed that this 43 km. line will be completed in the next year.
Naidu suggested introduction of a new AP Express between the national capital and Visakhapatnam with some bogies to be attached at Vijayawada for the benefit of people on Tiurpati-Nellore-Ongole-Guntur section. He also brought to the notice of the Railway Minister the demand for a bi-weekly train between Vijayawada and Guwahaty, for examination.
The Union Minister also discussed in detail the need to enhance rail travel facilities for the forthcoming Godavari Pushkaram besides creating supporting infrastructure at Kovvur, Rajahmundry and Annavaram stations. Construction of Rail Over Bridge at Venkatagiri railway crossing, upgradation of Sullurpet railway station keeping in view the growing importance of Sriharikota Satellite Launching Statin, developing Tirupati station as an international station was also discussed.
On developing Tirupati Station, Gowda said that TTD has been approached for land and necessary action will be taken after land is made available.
Naidu brought to the notice of Gowda, the extensive damages caused to about 2,000 quarters of railway employees in Visakhapatnam and adjoining areas and the need for undertaking immediate measures by providing additional funds to Visakhapatnam division.
Railway Board Chairman assured Naidu that additional funds will be provided to Visakhapatnam division for renovation of the cyclone affected railway quarters and providing additional facilities for Godavari Pushkaralu.
Venkaiah Naidu emphasized the need for augmenting railway infrastructure in the context of Guntur-Vijayawada region being identified by the state government as capital region. (INN)