Naidu Urges Development of Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam and Tirupati as Iconic Railway Stations

Amaravati, Oct 2025 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday emphasized the need to transform Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, and Tirupati railway stations into world-class, iconic facilities. He also proposed developing the Amaravati railway station as a major attraction to reflect the state’s growing infrastructure ambitions.

The Chief Minister reviewed the progress of various railway projects across Andhra Pradesh at a high-level meeting with railway officials held at the State Secretariat.

Naidu directed officials to expedite the redevelopment of Vijayawada railway station and to begin work immediately. He also suggested constructing a skywalk at Tirupati railway station for the convenience of pilgrims visiting the temple city.

Railway officials informed the Chief Minister that 73 railway stations are currently being modernized under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Naidu instructed them to address long-pending issues in the Kothavalasa–Kirandole and Kothavalasa–Vizianagaram sections and to accelerate the work on the South Coastal Railway Zone.

Reviewing preparations for the upcoming Godavari Pushkarams, the Chief Minister asked that the Rajahmundry station redevelopment, worth ₹271 crore, be completed on priority. Officials said efforts are underway to run 1,012 special trains during the festival period to manage passenger traffic efficiently.

Naidu also stressed improving railway connectivity to key ports including Mulapet, Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, and Ramayapatnam, highlighting the state’s focus on developing a strong logistics network. He reviewed the progress of major rail line projects such as Nadikudi–Kalahasti, Guntur–Guntakal, Gunadala–Mustabad bypass, and Raidurg–Tumakuru, covering works valued at ₹33,630 crore.

The Chief Minister further discussed the proposed Hyderabad–Bengaluru elevated corridor via Amaravati and suggested exploring a bullet train connection linking the Amaravati International Airport in the future.

Naidu was also briefed on the development of 1,564 km of new railway lines in the state. He reiterated that the government is committed to positioning Andhra Pradesh as a logistics hub, with enhanced north–south and east–west railway connectivity.

The Chief Minister approved a proposal to allocate land for a new railway coaching terminal at Gannavaram. Railway authorities also shared plans to develop similar terminals at Vijayawada and Guntur.

Minister B.C. Janardhana Reddy, Principal Secretary M.T. Krishnababu, South Central Railway General Manager Sanjay Srivastava, and other senior officials attended the meeting.