The new railway line project Krishnapatnam Port-Venkatachalam-Obulavaripalle in Andhra Pradesh which will provide rail connectivity between two major rail routes is making progress.
The project will reduce the distance by 72 km for the trains coming from Guntakal Division to Krishnapatnam and reduces traffic density in Obulavaripalle-Renigunta- Gudur section.
At present, the new line between Venkatachalam Road Junction-Vellikallu of 60 km and Cherlopalli-Obulavaripalli of 22 km stretch (total length - 82 km) has been completed, including electrification works.
Tunnel works is underway for around seven km between Cherlopalli-Vellikallu.
Once this work is completed, the entire Krishnapatnam Port-Venkatachalam-Obulavaripalle new line project will be made operational.
The new line will eases congestion of both passenger carrying and freight carrying trains in Vijayawada-Gudur-Renigunta-Guntakal sections.
Moreover, the Venkatachalam-Obulavaripalle new line connectivity will provide shortest path between Chennai-Howrah and Chennai-Mumbai rail routes.
The project was sanctioned in the year 2005-06. The railway line project is executed through special purpose vehicle (SPV), Krishnapatnam Railway Company (KRCL).
The entire length of the new railway line from Obulavaripalli to Venkatachalam is 93 km and the estimated cost of the project is Rs 1,656 crore.
The railway line will have 23 major bridges, 123 minor bridges and 60 subways.
The stations between the route are -- Kasumuru, Kottundipalli, Bramhanapalli, Adurpalli, Nellepalli, Rapuru, Vellikallu, Cherlopalli, Nethivaripalli and Mangampet Road.
One tunnel for a length of one km is completed and construction of one major tunnel between Cherilopalli and Vellikallu is under execution.
In a move to further improve freight traffic and reduce congestion on main lines, the line is further extended up to Obulavaripalli station located on Chennai-Mumbai route.
Moreover, provision for passenger amenities at all railway stations from Krishnapatnam to Rapuru are in progress at a cost of Rs 60 crore. The railway stations enroute are Nidiguntapalem, Venkatachalam Road Junction, Choutupalyam Halt, Kasumuru, Kottundapalle, Aduripalle and Rapuru.