SCR completes decade-long rail project in coastal Andhra

South Central Railway (SCR) has completed and commissioned a major 221-km rail line-doubling and electrification project that could give a boost to the agricultural and aqua economies in the coastal region of Andhra Pradesh. Electrification of the final 32.8-km stretch of rail line between Aravalli and Nidadavolu was commissioned last week, marking the completion of the decade-long project. The vital Vijayawada-Gudivada-Bhimavaram-Narsapuram electrification, Gudivada-Machilipatnam and Narsapuram-Nidadavolu doubling and electrification project was sanctioned in 2011-12 at a cost of Rs 30 billion. Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd executed the project in five phases. The doubling and electrification would enable operation of train services with electric traction on end-to-end basis on these routes. Calling it a super critical project, SCR general manager in charge, Arun Kumar Jain, noted that its completion marked yet another milestone in rail development in the coastal region of Andhra Pradesh. SCR Chief Public Relations Officer Ch Rakesh said doubling of the line would facilitate introduction of more passenger train services. This line would also serve as a viable alternative to the coastal rail corridor between Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam. Importantly, the augmented infrastructure project would boost transportation of agriculture and aquaculture products from the region. See also: Railways launches policy to make its entire fleet electricBhopal Railway division to cut down expenses on cleanliness