Title - Plea to improve train services in Rayalaseema

Rayalaseema Intellectual Forum urges Centre to introduce Kurnool-Hyderabad intercity express...........
Convener of Rayalaseema Intellectual Forum N. Somasekhara Sarma has urged the Union Minister of State for Railways Kotla Jayasuryaprakasa Reddy to improve railway transport in Rayalaseema and see larger allocation of funds for the pending projects of the region.In a statement here on Friday, he said Rayalaseema deserved a special consideration in view of the backwardness as Railways symbolised civilization.He urged the Minister to revive the Netravathi Express between Mumbai and Trivandrum connecting Adoni, Guntakal and Dharmavaram. Also, reintroduce the Navjivan Express through Rayalaseema which was diverted to Vijayawada now.

Train diversion:He said the Banglore-Patna Express, which was being run on Gudur, Ongole and Vijayawada route, could reduce the journey by 250 km if diverted via Dharmavaram, Anantapur, Dhone and Kurnool.Mr. Sarma requested the Union Minister to introduce the Kurnool-Hyderabad intercity express which was the long-felt need of the people of Kurnool city and also a halt for Karnataka Sampark Express at Kurnool. The AP Sampark Express was requested on a daily basis.A new train between Hyderabad and Mangalore was requested via Mahabubnagar, Kurnool, Guntakal, Bellary, Arasikere and Haasan.

Line conversion, electrification:The conversion of track between Dharmavaram and Secunderabad to double line and electrification was urged. Mr. Sarma said double line should be constructed between Renigunta and Vadi on a priority basis as the Renigunta and Chennai was converted to twin lines long ago. Work on new lines between Mantralayam and Kurnool, Puttaparthi and Kadiri, new railway bridge across Pennar river and other infrastructure in Rayalaseema was the urgent need, he said.