Visakhapatnam: In a key meeting on Wednesday, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Visakhapatnam MP Sribharat and other MPs engaged Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav on important issues related to Central Railways. The possible demerger of the major revenue contributor Voltaire division has raised concerns over the transfer of freight revenue from the South Coast region to the East Coast region. MP Sreebharath made a strong appeal to retain the Voltaire division and elevate Visakhapatnam’s position in the railway network.
The coalition government has resolved the land issue by allocating 52 acres of land in Mudasarlova for the establishment of the Visakhapatnam Railway Zone Office. However, despite completing the land transfer and conversion work by August, the center has delayed the start of construction. Although it was promised that the foundation stone would be laid in December, the date has not been decided. The tender called for construction last month is still pending.
Sribharat asked the Union Railway Minister to start operations in the existing railway buildings till the zonal office is set up. He also highlighted the significant impact of abolition of Waltair Division, which would lead to the devolution of railway jurisdiction in North Andhra. Areas under Waltair Division will be merged with Vijayawada Division and Khurda Division of Odisha, while the KK line from Kothavalasa in Vizianagaram district will join Rayagada Division in East Coast region.
Discussions also covered establishment of Visakhapatnam railway zone, new train services, and infrastructure improvements. MP Sreebharath expressed confidence that these discussions will catalyze the development of Visakhapatnam, especially in IT, infrastructure, and transport, promoting overall state development.