Record Budget Allocation for Railway Initiatives in Telugu States: Ashwini Vaishnaw
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Synopsis
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced record budget allocations for railway projects in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, with Rs. 9,417 crore and Rs. 5,337 crore respectively for 2025-26. The initiatives include new trains, station redevelopment, and significant infrastructure investments.
Key Takeaways
- Record budget allocation of Rs. 9,417 crore to Andhra Pradesh.
- Telangana receives Rs. 5,337 crore for railway projects.
- 1,560 km of new railway tracks constructed in Andhra Pradesh.
- 73 railway stations in Andhra Pradesh to be redeveloped.
- Future plans include 50 Namo Bharat trains and 200 Vande Bharat trains.
Hyderabad, Feb 3 (NationPress) Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have received unprecedented budget allocations of Rs. 9,417 crore and Rs. 5,337 crore respectively for railway projects in the financial year 2025-26.
In a virtual press briefing from Delhi, he highlighted that Andhra Pradesh's allocation of Rs. 9,417 crores marks a record high for the year 2025-26.
He pointed out that this allocation represents an increase of 11 times compared to the average budget during the years 2009-14 for the combined state.
Furthermore, he disclosed that a total investment of Rs. 84,559 crores is being directed towards various railway development initiatives in Andhra Pradesh.
He also mentioned that the railway infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh is now fully electrified. The South Central Railway (SCR) has taken the lead in implementing the Kavach system, with 1,465 km already operational across its region. The aim is to deploy Kavach across the entire railway network of the country within the next six years, he added.
In the past decade, 1,560 km of new railway tracks have been laid in Andhra Pradesh, surpassing the total railway network of Sri Lanka.
Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that eight Vande Bharat trains are currently operational in Andhra Pradesh, covering 15 districts and making 21 stops. The Amrit Bharat Express, running between Malda Town and Bengaluru, has 14 stops in Andhra Pradesh.
As part of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, the redevelopment of 73 railway stations in Andhra Pradesh is underway.
Regarding Telangana, he shared that Rs. 41,677 crore is being allocated for various railway development projects in the state.
He also mentioned that five Vande Bharat trains operate in Telangana, covering seven districts and making nine stops. The redevelopment of 40 railway stations in Telangana is part of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
He announced the approval of 50 new Namo Bharat trains, 200 Vande Bharat trains, and 100 new Amrit Bharat trains, with announcements regarding their operation to follow.
The minister stated that the railways have launched a significant initiative to replace old tracks, totaling 7,000 km. Additionally, Indian Railways plans to upgrade tracks to enable trains to operate at speeds of 160 Kmph on key sections.
