Andhra Pradesh Set for Major Rail Expansion with High-Speed & Semi High-Speed Corridors!

The Ministry of Railways is examining a proposal to construct a high-speed rail corridor between Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam, connecting two of Andhra Pradesh’s most important urban centers. A Final Location Survey (FLS) has been proposed, and approval from the Railway Board is awaited. The 350-km corridor is expected to pass through Eluru, Rajamahendravaram, and Kakinada, with trains operating at speeds of up to 320 kmph. If aligned via Amaravati, the project could integrate with the proposed Hyderabad–Amaravati–Chennai high-speed corridor. In addition, the Railways has proposed a 350-km semi high-speed corridor between Vijayawada and Kurnool via Guntur, Narasaraopet, Markapuram, Cumbum, and Nandyal. With speeds of up to 220 kmph, travel time between the two cities could be reduced to just two hours, providing a major boost to inter-city connectivity.

Beyond these flagship corridors, the Railways has proposed several new lines across the state to enhance regional and port connectivity. These include a 184-km line from Macherla to Gadwal to link Telangana and Karnataka regions with Andhra ports; a 120-km direct line between Nellore and Rajampet; a 150-km Samarlakota–Chintoor line; and a 58-km Kalyanadurg–Anantapur connection. Surveys have also been proposed for a Gudur–Dugarajapatnam port line, considering the renewed Greenfield port and shipbuilding plans. Additionally, a new 290-km railway line from Hyderabad to Markapuram via Srisailam has been proposed to improve pilgrimage access to the revered Srisailam temple. Once the Railway Board grants clearance for the Final Location Surveys, these ambitious infrastructure projects are expected to move forward.