Article Today, Bhubaneswar:
Vizianagaram Member of Parliament K. Appalanayudu on Friday pressed for immediate redressal of railway-related issues concerning Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, and border areas of Odisha. Speaking at the East Coast Railway zonal committee meeting in Bhubaneswar, he recalled raising the same issues in Parliament and urged the authorities to act without delay. East Coast Railway General Manager Parameshwar Funkwal was present at the review.
Demand for Bridges in Bobbili
The MP sought the extension of the foot overbridge at Bobbili railway station to ease congestion and stressed the need to strengthen the road overbridge to reduce traffic. He also proposed the construction of a wicket gate between the station and the railway colony for safe pedestrian movement.
Expansion Works at Donkinivalasa
Mr. Appalanayudu urged officials to expand the foot overbridge at Donkinivalasa and pointed out that increasing vehicular congestion at level crossings was causing delays. He emphasised that a new foot overbridge connecting Mallampeta village with Bobbili was essential, as nearly 30,000 residents faced hardships after the earlier bridge was demolished during station renovation. He also requested permission for culvert construction on railway land to improve connectivity.
Additional Trains and Stops
The MP pressed for new train services and additional stoppages at key stations. He asked that Konark, Falaknuma, Yesvantpur, BBS, and TPTY Express trains halt at Cheepurupalli, while Brahmapur Intercity, Tirumala, and Godavari Express trains stop at Sigadam. He further requested that Coromandel Express halt at Vizianagaram and sought the extension of the foot overbridge from the third to the fourth platform at Sigadam. He urged that the Bhubaneswar–Tirupati Express be converted from a bi-weekly to a daily service.
Focus on Passenger Amenities
Calling for modern facilities, Mr. Appalanayudu asked railway authorities to provide waiting halls, toilets, drinking water, escalators, digital display boards, and extended foot overbridges at stations in Vizianagaram and Srikakulam. He recommended shifting freight operations from Bobbili to Komatipalli or Seethanagaram stations and pressed for additional sleeper coaches on trains starting from Bhubaneswar to help lower and middle-income passengers.
Acceleration of Pending Works
The MP demanded that road underbridges or overbridges be constructed at level crossings between Rayagada and Parvathipuram. He urged officials to expedite work on the Cheepurupalli–Rajam road overbridge and sought clarity on the closure of the level crossing at K.L. Puram village connecting Garividi and Cheepurupalli. He also reminded the Railway authorities to complete all sanctioned works at Vizianagaram station at the earliest.
Appeal for Long-Term Expansion
Mr. Appalanayudu underlined the importance of developing new railway lines and expanding existing ones to serve the aspirations of people in north Andhra Pradesh and the Odisha border. He presented detailed reports on local problems and suggested practical solutions for their resolution.
