Visakhapatnam Railway Zone a long-pending demand of North Andhra, says Anita
Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Vangalapudi Anita has said that the establishment of the Visakhapatnam Railway Zone fulfils a long-pending demand of the people of north Andhra Pradesh and will contribute to the region’s economic development.
Addressing a press conference at the MPDO office in Nakkapalli on Monday, Ms. Anita said the railway zone was a legitimate demand of the State and that Telugu Desam Party Members of Parliament had consistently raised the issue there.
She alleged that the previous YSR Congress Party government had failed to take adequate steps towards the formation of the railway zone and had not allocated the 50 acres of land required for the project.
The Minister said the process had gained momentum after the NDA government came to power, owing to the efforts of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and the State’s Members of Parliament.
Stating that the railway zone would generate direct and indirect employment opportunities, Ms. Anita said the revenue it generates would contribute to the State’s development. She expressed confidence that the project would further strengthen the economic prospects of north Andhra.
Referring to growing industrial interest in the region, she said several companies were exploring investment opportunities in north Andhra. She added that it was expected to emerge as a major employment hub in the coming years.
The Minister thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Railway Minister, Mr. Chandrababu Naidu, Mr. Pawan Kalyan and Minister Nara Lokesh for their role in advancing the railway zone project.
Responding to a question on concerns raised by party workers, Ms. Anita said the Telugu Desam Party attached great importance to the views of its cadre. Referring to issues highlighted on social media regarding a Circle Inspector, she said the matter had come to her attention and assured that appropriate action would be taken.