Rapid progress of railway projects in Andhra Pradesh; budget allocation of ₹10,134 crore for the 2026-27 year* * 301 ROBs/RUBs in the state at a cost of ₹11,686 crore; projects currently in planning and construction stages * Modernization of 74 stations in Andhra Pradesh under the Amrit Bharat Scheme; redevelopment work already completed at 8 railway stations
Vijayawada:Union Minister for Railways and Information & Broadcasting, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, answered questions in Parliament raised by Rajya Sabha Member Shri Bhashyam Ramakrishna regarding the progress of various ongoing and pending railway projects, ROB/RUB constructions, and station redevelopment works in Andhra Pradesh.
The Minister stated that the Central Government is according high priority to the development of railway infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh. He noted that while the average annual allocation for the state was only ₹886 crore during the 2009–14 period, the allocation for the 2026–27 financial year has been increased more than eleven-fold to reach ₹10,134 crore. It was noted that the pace of track construction has doubled; while the average annual construction of new tracks was 73 kilometers between 2009 and 2014, it rose to an average of 147 kilometers per year during the 2014–2026 period.
The Minister explained that, as of April 1, 2026, 42 projects spanning 4,768 kilometers—comprising 12 new lines and 30 doubling works—had been sanctioned for Andhra Pradesh at an estimated total cost of ₹77,855 crore. He clarified that, of these, line commissioning for 1,465 kilometers was completed by March 2026, with a total expenditure of ₹27,851 crore incurred so far.
The Minister stated that high priority is being accorded to safety and ensuring level-crossing-free travel within the state. He mentioned that 838 Road Over Bridges (ROBs) and Road Under Bridges (RUBs) were constructed in Andhra Pradesh between 2014 and May 2026. He revealed that, as of June 1, 2026, 301 ROB/RUB projects sanctioned at a cost of ₹11,686 crore were in various stages of planning and construction. He further explained that while ₹1,940 crore was allocated for ROB/RUB works in these zones for the current financial year (2026–27), ₹674 crore had been spent by June 2026. The Minister stated that the new 'South Coast Railway Zone' would become fully operational starting June 1, 2026.
He mentioned that 74 stations in Andhra Pradesh have been selected under the 'Amrit Bharat Station Scheme' aimed at modernizing railway stations; development works have already been completed at eight of these stations (Kambam, Eluru, Kakinada Town Junction, Mangalagiri, Nidadavolu Junction, Rayanapadu, Sullurpeta, and Tuni). He noted that work on platforms, circulating areas, foot-over-bridges, lifts, and escalators is progressing rapidly at major stations such as Tirupati, Nellore, Kurnool City, Kuppam, and Hindupur. Regarding passenger amenities (under Plan Head-53), he stated that while Rs. 3,134 crore was allocated to the railway zones serving Andhra Pradesh for this financial year, Rs. 1,361 crore had already been spent by June.
The Union Minister clarified that delays in projects and the construction of Road Over Bridges (ROBs) or Road Under Bridges (RUBs) can occur due to various factors such as land acquisition, forest clearances, utility shifting, and the need for state government participation. He emphasized that regular review meetings are being held with state government officials to expedite the work, and measures—such as the standardization of drawings—are being implemented to streamline the approval process.
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