Telangana: Adilabad–Armoor railway line set to become reality soon

The long-awaited Adilabad–Nirmal–Armoor railway line is nearing reality, with DPR approval expected soon. The Rs 3,000 crore first phase will improve rail access in north Telangana, cut travel distance to Hyderabad by 120 km, and spur regional development

Adilabad: The much-awaited Adilabad–Nirmal–Armoor railway line is finally set to become a reality, bringing cheer to the people of the region.

Sources said the Union Ministry of Railways is likely to approve the detailed project report (DPR) for the 317-km railway line from Adilabad to Patancheru within a month or two. In the first phase, a 137-km stretch between Adilabad, Nirmal and Armoor towns is expected to be taken up at an estimated cost of nearly Rs 3,000 crore. The Centre is set to fund the project, according high priority to this infrastructure initiative.

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Adilabad MP G Nagesh said Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had directed officials to clear the DPR in the first phase, citing the region’s backwardness. He said officials would soon focus on technical aspects of the project. The Centre will bear the entire cost, he added, calling it a major milestone in improving connectivity in the region.

The MP said the Ministry had already initiated steps to approve the DPR and start work. The project involves laying railway lines through tunnels at Mahabub Ghats and constructing high-level bridges across the Godavari River near Nirmal and Kupti in Neradigonda mandal. Engineers have completed the designs for both the tunnels and bridges.

The railway line gained momentum in 2023 when it was listed among five priority routes for a Final Location Survey (FLS). The Indian Railways had invited tenders to conduct the FLS for a broad-gauge line from Nizamabad to Adilabad via Nirmal and Armoor. Residents have long demanded the line from both the State and Union governments.

Project to boost connectivity and industrial growth

The railway line will link Adilabad to Hyderabad at Patancheru, and is seen as a game-changer for Adilabad and Nirmal districts, both currently without rail connectivity. The line will also link Nirmal with Adilabad and Nizamabad, significantly improving regional transport. It is expected to spur industrial development and support the agrarian economy in north Telangana’s underdeveloped districts.

Travel distance to be cut by 120 km

Currently, passengers travel around 435 km via Maharashtra to reach Hyderabad by rail from Adilabad headquarters. In contrast, the road distance is only 300 km. The new railway line will drastically reduce travel time and distance once operational.