Chief Secretary I.Y.R. Krishna Rao on Wednesday reviewed the progress of the new railway line between Nadikudi and Srikalahasti and other railway projects.
He also held a video conference with the District Collectors of Guntur, Prakasam and Nellore.
Recalling that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had reviewed the progress of the projects during a video conference in August, the Chief Secretary directed the Guntur District Collector to publicise the draft declaration for 14 villages, through which the railway line passes, by end of October.
Forest Department officials said 374 hectares of forest land were covered by the new railway line and added that compensatory land was not required.
A press release from the Chief Secretary’s office said the Nadikudi-Srikalahasti line covered a distance of 308 km, and that it would be helpful to develop the backward areas of Guntur, Prakasam, Nellore and Chittoor districts. It will also facilitate cement and granite exports from the region.
The Chief Secretary also reviewed the doubling of line between Guntur and Guntakal and said it would reduce the journey time from Rayalaseema to the new AP capital. Railway officials said tripling of railway line between Vijayawada and Gudur had been approved by the Railway Board.
