25 years on, Konaseema Railway Line project yet to get on track

Twenty-five years after its inception, the Konaseema Railway Line project continues to remain unfinished. Initially envisioned by India's first Dalit Lok Sabha Speaker, G.M.C. Balayogi, the railway line was intended to span 57 kilometers from Kotipalli to Narsapur, traversing through Andhra Pradesh's rice fields and connecting to Narsapuram station.

This ambitious project was aligned to pass through coconut orchards and paddy fields, stretching across the Godavari River's branches. The project was initiated during Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu's Vision-2020 initiative in 1999-2004.

The railway line was meant to provide affordable transport to farmers in the Godavari Delta region, ensuring direct access to markets for their paddy, coconut, and banana crops. Despite promises and initial progress, the project has faced numerous hurdles, including land acquisition and other obstacles, leaving it stalled. Despite their opposition, many farmers, including Koripalli Sambasiva, have parted with their land in the past, trusting the assurances of G.M.C. Balayogi.

The Konaseema Railway Line was initially planned in three phases, with major bridges constructed across the Gouthami, Vynateya, and Vasista. However, progress has been uneven, with over 98% of the substructure construction completed, including bridge pillars. Yet, delays persist in certain stretches. At present, the State government has acquired 113.96 acres of land and handed over 238 hectares for the project.

The State has deposited only ₹52.69 crore towards the sanctioned cost of ₹2,120 crore, while the Ministry of Railways has spent ₹1,181.19 crore as of March 2024. The project's future remains uncertain, with farmers and locals calling for a fair resolution to the compensation claims and for the government to make further efforts to complete the line.