Railway Safety Inspection Successfully Completed for Mallavaram-Kanigiri New Line
The long-awaited railway connectivity for the arid regions of Kanigiri, Podili, and other parts of Prakasam district in Andhra Pradesh has taken a significant step forward. On Friday, the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) from the Guntur division of the South Central Railway (SCR) successfully concluded the statutory inspection and speed trial for the Mallavaram–Kanigiri new railway line.
Strategic Importance of the New Railway Corridor
This 35.9-kilometer section forms a crucial part of the broader Nadikudi-Srikalahasti railway line project, which spans an impressive 309 kilometers across Andhra Pradesh. Once fully operational, this infrastructure will connect several major towns including Darsi, Podili, Kanigiri, Atmakur, and Rapur to the national railway network for the very first time. The railway authorities emphasize that this development will bring transformative changes to the drought-prone regions of Prakasam and SPSR Nellore districts.
The new line promises to serve as a reliable alternative route to the heavily congested Chennai-Howrah coastal corridor, potentially easing traffic pressure on existing infrastructure. Beyond passenger benefits, the railway is expected to significantly boost economic growth in these regions by enhancing freight movement for agricultural produce and industrial goods.
Comprehensive Safety Assessment and Technical Evaluation
The meticulous inspection process commenced from Mallavaram station, where the CRS, accompanied by senior officials from the SCR construction organization and Guntur division, conducted a thorough review of the entire section. The assessment covered multiple critical aspects of railway infrastructure:
- Detailed examination of passenger amenities at newly established halt stations including Podili, Gautuvaripalle, Garlapeta Road, and Kanigiri
- Comprehensive testing of signaling systems and operational readiness protocols
- Rigorous safety and measurement checks on major bridges, particularly focusing on bridge numbers 239, 248, 275, and 287 (constructed with PSC girders) and bridge number 85 (built with RCC box technology)
Technical teams performed specialized assessments on challenging sections of the track, including detailed evaluations of the 2-degree curve at kilometer 142.075. This involved precise measurements of super-elevation and transition parameters, along with thorough inspections of deep cuttings and high embankments along the route.
Speed Trial and Final Authorization Process
Following the comprehensive motor trolley inspection, authorities conducted a crucial high-speed trial between Kanigiri and Mallavaram stations. The trial train navigated the section smoothly, successfully testing both track stability and the fitness of overhead infrastructure at designated operational speeds.
Railway officials have confirmed that the CRS will now conduct a final review of all inspection data before issuing formal authorization for the commencement of passenger and goods traffic on this section. This milestone represents significant progress in the broader Nadikudi–Srikalahasti new line project, which aims to enhance connectivity across the hinterlands of Andhra Pradesh and stimulate regional development.
The successful completion of these safety protocols brings the dream of railway connectivity for these previously underserved regions closer to reality, promising improved transportation options, economic opportunities, and enhanced regional integration for communities in Prakasam and neighboring districts.
