For the first time, tribals in erstwhile Khammam can travel to the national capital through direct rail connectivity with the Centre designating the new Ramagundam-Manuguru rail line with ‘special’ project status to expedite it. This project is expected to cost approximately 3,600 crore.
The decision to approve the project, stretching from Ramagundam (Peddapalli) to Manuguru (Bhadradri Kothagudem), was based on the potential for generating substantial revenue through the transportation of coal from these areas to various parts of India.
This route, often referred to as coal corridor, holds significant promise for the region’s economic growth.
The implementation of this project is expected to bring about a two-fold benefit. Firstly, it will significantly boost freight transportation, allowing for the efficient movement of coal from the mining areas to other regions of the country. Secondly, it will provide a convenient train route for passengers travelling from the tribal regions to the nation’s capital, New Delhi, via Ramagundam, Balarshah, and Nagpur. Railway authorities have stated that the proposed rail line will link various historical and cultural sites, including the Ramappa temple. Additionally, it will establish a connection to the Singareni coal mining regions of
Ramagundam and Bhadrachalam.
“Already a DPR regarding this project was submitted to the Centre. The land acquisition process for the project is currently underway,” said a senior railway official.
Additionally, there are plans to establish a railway line linking Kothagudem with Malkangir in Odisha. This will provide access to the eastern state and Chhattisgarh.