Vice-President calls upon political parties to unite for national security

Centre committed to AP’s development, says Union Minister

Vice-President M.Venkaiah Naidu inaugurating an FM radio station in Nellore on Thursday.

Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday called on political parties to set aside their differences and stand united on matters regarding national security.

Mr. Naidu said the Centre and State governments should work as a team for the country’s development. His statements assume significance in the wake of the Pulwama attack.

Mr. Naidu was speaking after inaugurating and laying foundation stones for a spree of railway projects worth ₹1,830 crore including a facelift for the Nellore Railway Station at a cost of ₹147 crore.

Speaking on the occasion, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal said that the Centre was fully committed to developing railway infrastructure in the State.

The Railways is gunning for 100% mechanisation of the process of cleaning trains, railway stations, and laundry activities, Mr. Goyal said, adding that after doubling of all the single lines, the Railways is now going for third and fourth lines.

New trains announced

Mr. Goyal announced an intercity express between Gudur and Vijayawada and a passenger train between Venkatachalam and Obulavaripalli from later this year.

Mr. Naidu flagged off a MEMU express between Nellore and Chennai on Thursday.

The Vice-President also inaugurated a new foot overbridge and a new booking office at Tiruvottiyur Railway Station in Tamil Nadu and an upgraded passenger amenities centre at Tirupati Railway Station via video link.

The Vice-President also dedicated to passengers free high-speed Wi-Fi facility at Nellore, Gudur and Renigunta Railway Stations and a new booking office at Akkampet Railway Station, and a subway at Gummidipundi via video link. The Vijayawada-Dharmavaram express train will run on a daily basis from Friday, while the Bhubaneswar-Mumbai Konark Express will have a new halt at Pithapuram, railway officials said.

Services extended

The Howrah-Vijayawada Humsafar Express will be extended up to Tirupati from February 24 while the Cuttack-Berhampur passenger train will be extended up to Itchapuram in Srikakulam district from March 3.

The Visakhapatnam-Palasa passenger train will be extended up to Brahmapur and Miryalaguda-Kachiguda DEMU up to Nadikudi.