TIRUPATI, November 2025 —The development of crucial railway infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh faces challenges due to ongoing project delays, prompting calls for a dedicated railway division headquartered in Tirupati. This initiative aims to provide sustained focus and pressure to ensure the timely implementation of vital rail network expansions across the region.

Key stakeholders, including conveners of the Balaji Railway Division Sadhana Samithi, highlighted the slow progress on several significant projects. These include the Vijayawada-Gudur third line, sanctioned in 2015-16 and only one-third complete; the Nadikudi-Srikalahasti new line, approved in 2011-12 with just 46 km completed; and the Kadapa-Bengaluru new line, sanctioned in 2008-09 with 21 km commissioned. The proposal also advocates for enhanced passenger amenities at Tirupati West and Tiruchanur railway stations and an upgrade of the Carriage Repair Shop at Renigunta to meet rising operational demands.

Establishing a separate railway division at Tirupati is considered essential for overcoming administrative hurdles and accelerating project execution. This move is expected to improve regional connectivity and operational efficiency, especially given that the South Coast Railway (ScoR) zone in Visakhapatnam, mandated in 2014, is yet to become fully functional. The proposed division is seen as a means to ensure that pending projects receive the necessary attention and resources for completion.

Speakers expressed confidence that the demand for the Balaji division is justified and that persistent public pressure and political follow-up will lead to its establishment. This effort reflects a broader recognition of the importance of localized administrative structures in driving national rail development and ensuring that infrastructure projects effectively serve regional economic and connectivity needs.

Source: The Hindu