MAY 22: Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications, Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, emphasized the deep significance of Indian Railways, describing it as not only a vital component of the national economy but also an integral part of India’s identity. His remarks came during the virtual inauguration of the redeveloped Sullurupeta Railway Station in Andhra Pradesh, which was inaugurated by the Prime Minister under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
Highlighting the scale and importance of the Indian Railways, Dr. Pemmasani noted that the network carries over two crore passengers daily and is among the largest employers in the world. He stated that in today’s India, infrastructure goes beyond convenience—it represents national confidence and ambition. “We need railway stations that are accessible, efficient, and symbolic of our national pride,” he said.
Dr. Pemmasani praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, under which Indian Railways has become central to the country’s development agenda. He added that the Prime Minister’s approach to transforming railway infrastructure focuses on enhancing passenger experience and integrating stations into India’s broader urban renewal strategy.
The Minister shared that the Sullurupeta station’s redevelopment was carried out at a cost of ₹14.5 crore. This station holds a special position in India’s railway network, as it lies in the spiritually significant Tirupati district and serves as the nearest railhead to Sriharikota, the nation’s primary spaceport.
Discussing the broader scope of railway development in Andhra Pradesh over the past 11 years, Dr. Pemmasani stated that the Union Government has significantly increased investment in the sector. The railway budget allocation for the state rose to ₹9,417 crore for 2025–26, a tenfold increase compared to the 2009–14 period. In this time, 414 km of new railway lines have been added, 1,217 km of track has been doubled, and 3,748 km electrified.
He also informed that 41 railway infrastructure projects worth ₹34,700 crore have been sanctioned in the state over the last decade. Notably, under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme alone, 73 railway stations across Andhra Pradesh are undergoing redevelopment, marking a transformative leap in the state’s transport infrastructure.