Archive · 4 Sep 2026
Tummala Urges Early Construction of Railway Link to Saketapuri
Tummala Nageswara Rao wants a short railway line built quickly.
The line would connect Pandurangapuram with Saketapuri, near Sarapaka.
It would be nearly 16 kilometres long.
A much larger railway project in the area has faced delays.
These delays involve land, forest permissions and bridge construction.
Tummala said the shorter section has fewer problems.
Telangana offered to acquire the land needed for it.
The railway could make it easier for pilgrims to visit Bhadrachalam and help businesses and workers in the region.
Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao urged priority construction of the nearly 16-km Pandurangapuram–Saketapuri railway stretch.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw responded positively and directed officials to expedite necessary steps.
The larger Pandurangapuram–Malkangiri project has been delayed by land, forest-clearance and bridge-construction issues.
Telangana offered to acquire the land needed for the shorter stretch and hand it over to the Railways.
The link is expected to improve access to Bhadrachalam, support religious tourism and help local industries.
- Who
- Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao asked Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to prioritize the work.
- What
- The proposed construction is a nearly 16-km railway stretch between Pandurangapuram and Saketapuri, or Sarapaka.
- When
- The request was made during a meeting, according to a statement issued on Thursday.
- Where
- The proposed stretch is in the Bhadrachalam region and Bhadradri Kothagudem district.
- Why
- It is intended to improve access to Bhadrachalam, support religious tourism and strengthen transportation for industries.
- Proposed stretch
- Pandurangapuram to Saketapuri (Sarapaka)
- Length
- Nearly 16 kilometres
- Related larger project
- Pandurangapuram–Malkangiri railway project
- Reported obstacles
- Land acquisition, forest clearances, and construction of the Godavari and other railway bridges
- Government offer
- Telangana is ready to acquire and hand over the required land
- Expected benefits
- Improved pilgrim access, religious tourism, industrial transport, employment, trade and investment