Bhadrachalam rail project to run at 160 kmph
HYDERABAD: A new railway line between Pandurangapuram, Bhadrachalam and Malkangiri will be built to bring Bhadrachalam onto the railway map for the first time. The 173.6 km project is designed for trains to run at speeds up to 160 kmph.
No level crossings, multiple bridges planned
The railway line, passing through Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, will have no level crossings. More than 300 bridges will be constructed along with 41 road overbridges (ROBs) and 66 road underbridges (RUBs). Officials said this will improve both speed and safety of train operations.
A major attraction of the project is a large railway bridge across the Godavari near Bhadrachalam.
₹2,864 crore project, 843.9 hectares required
The Railway Ministry has identified 843.9 hectares of land for the project across the three states, including forest, government and private land. The total cost is estimated at ₹2,864 crore. The Centre has declared it a special railway project.
Alternative route, boost to freight movement
The new line will serve as an alternative to the existing Warangal–Vijayawada–Visakhapatnam–Bhubaneswar route. This is expected to reduce congestion on the main line and improve freight movement to northern and eastern India.
Rail link to temple town
The line will originate at Pandurangapuram, cross the Godavari, pass through Bhadrachalam and continue via Alluri Sitarama Raju district in Andhra Pradesh into Odisha up to Malkangiri. The project is targeted for completion in five years.
Once completed, it will provide direct rail connectivity to the Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy temple in Bhadrachalam, benefiting lakhs of devotees.
The project is also expected to speed up coal transport to thermal power plants in southern India and improve logistics for aluminium and iron ore industries. Agricultural produce from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh is likely to gain wider market access.
