Tue Jul 15 14:48:36 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

Rajamahendravaram MP D. Purandeswari met with South Central Railway (SCR) General Manager Sanjay Kumar Srivastava to discuss the progress of several railway projects in the Rajamahendravaram region. Key issues raised included the delay in the Kovvur-Bhadrachalam railway line project due to pending cost share payments from the Andhra Pradesh government, the slow progress of the Rajahmundry railway station modernization despite allocated funds, the reduction of train halts at the Kovvur railway station, the need to resume local train operations, and the finalization of the Nidadavole railway line electrification project.

**News Article:**

**Andhra Pradesh Funding Delays Stall Vital Railway Project, MP Urges Action**

**RAJAMAHENDRAVARAM, July 15, 2025** – The Kovvur-Bhadrachalam railway line project faces significant delays as South Central Railway (SCR) officials await the release of Andhra Pradesh government’s share of the project costs. Rajamahendravaram MP D. Purandeswari raised the issue with SCR General Manager Sanjay Kumar Srivastava during a meeting in Hyderabad on Tuesday.

The project, originally estimated at ₹1,445 crore but now exceeding ₹2,100 crore due to delays, is a joint venture between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. While Telangana has fulfilled its financial obligations and completed its portion of the line, progress in Andhra Pradesh remains stalled. The SCR aims to complete the entire project by April 2030, pending the release of funds.

Purandeswari also pressed for the swift modernization of the Rajahmundry railway station, ahead of the Godavari Pushkarams-2027. She highlighted a six-month delay in initiating tenders for the ₹271 crore project despite the allocation of funds. Srivastava assured that tenders would be invited within a week.

The MP further addressed the reduction in train halts at Kovvur railway station, noting that only eight trains currently stop there compared to the pre-COVID number of 18, including key expresses to Chennai and Tirupati. She urged the SCR to reinstate these halts. The resumption of local train services from Rajahmundry to Bhimavaram, Tanuku, and Narsapuram, suspended during the pandemic, was also requested.

Finally, Purandeswari inquired about the Nidadavole railway line electrification project, reporting that ₹6 crore is still required to finalize connections to the main power supply, completing the ₹150 crore electrification effort. The MP is pushing for expedited action on all fronts to improve rail connectivity and infrastructure in the region.

Read More