Andhra Pradesh MPs Advocate for Major Railway Infrastructure and Social Media Regulation
In a significant development, Narsaraopet MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu and Ongole MP Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy held a crucial meeting with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in Delhi. The parliamentarians presented a comprehensive set of proposals aimed at enhancing transportation infrastructure and addressing pressing social concerns affecting their constituencies and the nation at large.
Proposed Railway Line to Boost Agricultural and Freight Connectivity
The MPs formally requested the sanctioning of a new railway line stretching from Piduguralla in Palnadu district to Ramayapatnam Port. This proposed route would strategically pass through Darsi, Addanki, and Ongole in Prakasam district, creating a vital transportation corridor. They emphasized that the region is predominantly agriculture-based, with extensive cultivation of export-oriented crops and allied products. The implementation of this rail line is projected to dramatically improve freight movement to Ramayapatnam Port, substantially reducing logistics costs and transit times.
Furthermore, the new infrastructure would provide enhanced passenger connectivity for local communities. A key highlight is that the line would shorten the rail distance between major hubs like Chennai and Secunderabad, thereby fostering greater regional and national rail integration. This strategic alignment is expected to stimulate economic growth and improve accessibility for residents and businesses alike.
Urgent DEMU Service and Infrastructure Upgrades Sought
In addition to the new line, the MPs submitted representations urging immediate intervention to resolve critical railway infrastructure and passenger service issues plaguing Palnadu and Prakasam districts. They specifically advocated for the introduction of a Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) passenger train service from Secunderabad to Kanigiri via Nadikudi on the existing Nadikudi–Srikalahasti railway line.
Highlighting the absence of a direct train connection between Secunderabad and Kanigiri, the parliamentarians detailed the severe hardships faced by students, employees, farmers, traders, and daily commuters. Although the Nadikudi–Srikalahasti line has been commissioned, full electrification remains incomplete. In this context, launching a DEMU service is proposed as an immediate, practical solution. This service could later be upgraded to a Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) once electrification is fully realized, ensuring a phased and efficient improvement in rail services.
Call for Comprehensive Social Media Age Regulation
Beyond transportation, MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu raised a critical national issue during the meeting. He urged Minister Vaishnaw to establish a comprehensive policy and legal framework to regulate age limits for social media usage, prioritizing the safety and well-being of children and youth. Devarayalu described this as a serious and urgent national concern, calling for the constitution of a special committee or expert group to study the matter in depth.
Citing alarming studies, he revealed that nearly 90 percent of children aged 14–16 have access to smartphones at home, over 75 percent use social media primarily for entertainment, and more than 60 percent of minors are exposed to online harassment and harmful content. He flagged grave concerns over unregulated data collection targeting children, alongside rising cases of anxiety, depression, cyberbullying, and distressing incidents reported nationwide.
Devarayalu noted that several countries, including Australia, Denmark, Malaysia, Norway, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand, have either initiated or are considering legal measures to address these issues, reflecting a growing global consensus on the need for tighter oversight. Explaining his Private Member Bill on social media age limits and online safety, he urged the Union government to act decisively. He added that the coalition government in Andhra Pradesh is also firmly committed to implementing strict regulatory measures to protect young users.
This multifaceted meeting underscores the MPs' proactive approach in addressing both infrastructural development and societal challenges, aiming to foster economic growth and ensure a safer digital environment for future generations.
