Tirupati leaders renew pitch for Balaji Railway Division, meet Railway Minister

In a significant political push aimed at reshaping the rail infrastructure of southern Andhra Pradesh, members of the Balaji Railway Division Sadhana Samiti on Thursday (December 4) placed the long-pending demand for the creation of a Balaji Railway Division with Tirupati as its headquarters before Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram mohan Naidu, TDP Parliamentary floor leader Lavu Krishna Devarayulu and Chittoor MP Daggumalla Durga Prasad, accompanied by committee convener Kuppala Giridhar Kumar and other representatives, submitted a detailed memorandum in the Minister’s Parliament chamber. They underscored that the proposal, pending for nearly three decades, is crucial for ensuring equitable development in the economically backward Rayalseema region.

Krishna Devarayulu stressed that the division would catalyse economic growth, generate employment and strengthen connectivity for millions of pilgrims and citizens. The delegation urged swift action, noting the rising passenger load in Tirupati and surrounding stations.

They appealed for the comprehensive upgrade of Tiruchanoor, Renigunta and Chandragiri stations, an international cargo terminal to support the industrial boom in Sri City, and the acceleration of several key projects, including the Kadapa-Bengaluru line, the Nadikudi-SriKalahasti corridor and the Tirupati-Katpadi doubling works. They further sought inclusion of Naidupeta, Gudur, Tada, Puttur, Nagari and Prashanti Nilayam stations under the proposed division, along with a third line between Tirupati and Gudur to ease congestion.

The delegation also requested enhancement of the capacity of Renigunta CRS, expansion of the Chittoor goods shed, utilisation of Pakala railway land for a maintenance workshop and the extension of the Simhapuri Express up to Renigunta. Samiti convener Giridhar said Mr. Vaishnaw responded positively, assuring due consideration of their demands.