Modernising Andhra Pradesh’s Rail Network to Boost Exports

The rapid modernisation of the railway ecosystem in Andhra Pradesh is crucial for enhancing connectivity and promoting industrial growth, according to railway officials and industry leaders. This statement was made during a session entitled “Rail-Led Development for Andhra Pradesh,” held as part of the annual meeting of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Vijayawada chapter on October 15, 2023.

Dr. V. Nagalakshmi, chairperson of CII Vijayawada, emphasised the importance of developing an integrated rail-port-industrial ecosystem. Such an initiative could position Andhra Pradesh as a significant export gateway for southern and central India. She pointed out that the state’s ports, including Visakhapatnam, Krishnapatnam, Gangavaram, and Kakinada, provide a natural advantage for exports. By linking industrial corridors with railway freight terminals, the state could transform into a major manufacturing hub.

Delivering the keynote address, Devendra Kumar, additional member (traffic) of the Railway Board, discussed the ongoing transformation within Indian Railways. He highlighted the Ministry of Railways’ “Reform Express” initiative, which aims to implement 52 new reforms in 52 weeks. This initiative is designed to modernise the railway ecosystem in alignment with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It includes the launch of a RailTech innovation portal, which will facilitate collaboration between startups and Indian Railways while providing access to funding opportunities.

Kumar noted the cost advantages associated with rail transport, stating that freight movement by rail costs approximately INR 1.96 per tonne/km, significantly lower than INR 3.78 by road and INR 72 by air. As part of the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, Indian Railways aims to manage nearly 45 percent of the country’s freight movement through integrated logistics networks that connect rail, road, and ports.

From an operational perspective, Mohit Sonakiya, divisional railway manager of the Vijayawada division of South Central Railway, outlined the division’s role in transporting bulk commodities, such as cement, from regions like Duvvada to ports including Krishnapatnam and Kakinada. He also highlighted ongoing infrastructure upgrades, such as the modernisation of the Machilipatnam railway station and improvements to railway bridges to enhance resilience against extreme weather events.

Further developments were discussed by N. Rama Krishna Reddy, managing director of the Andhra Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited. He provided updates on metro projects in the state, including the proposed Visakhapatnam Metro Rail project, which will cover four corridors over 76.90 km, and the Vijayawada Metro Rail project, spanning 66.20 km across three corridors. These projects aim to improve urban mobility and alleviate congestion in the region.

The discussions underscored a shared commitment among stakeholders to leverage rail infrastructure for sustainable industrial growth and export enhancement in Andhra Pradesh, paving the way for a more integrated transport network.