Almost 25 year old dream of Rayala Seema region was fulfilled on Tuesday, with the inauguration of a new railway line linking Nandyal in Kurnool District to Yerraguntala in Kadapa District.
The 123 kms long railway line, built at a cost of `967 crores provides the railway connectivity to one of the most backward and under-developed pocket of the region.
Union Minister Suresh Prabhu flagged off the first Nandyal-Kadapa passenger train, marking the inauguration of the new line through remote control in the presence of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Union Minister for urban development M Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday.
Speaking on the occasion, Suresh Prabhu said that the new line will connect the Rayala Seema region to the new upcoming capital of Andhra Pradesh Amaravati.
Reiterating that the Central Government is committed to the development of Andhra Pradesh, he said that the Centre will extend full assistance to the State.
M Venkaiah Naidu recalled that this railway line was the dream of the former Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao and he was very happy that today the dream had become a reality.
He said that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed that the completion of the pending project should be given top priority.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu rued that so far Andhra Pradesh was neglected in the sector of railways and expressed hope that the Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu will ensure justice to the State.
Recalling that the land for the Nandyal-Yerraguntala line was allotted in 1996, Naidu regretted that it took 20 long years to complete the railway line.
He said that this was the most important railway line in Rayala Seema as it will provide connectivity between the ports and the cement factories. Naidu thanked Suresh Prabhu for fast tracking the project.