In a significant appeal, the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) vice-president, Kolanukonda Shivaji, has urged Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to lobby the Central government for a train to be named after Goddess Kanaka Durga. Goddess Kanaka Durga is the presiding deity of the revered temple perched atop Indrakeeladri hill in Vijayawada. Shivaji suggested that the new train could be christened either the ‘Indrakeeladri Express’ or the ‘Kanaka Durgamma Express’.
Mr. Shivaji drew a comparison to Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw’s recent launch of seven new trains in poll-bound Bihar, stating that similar visionary initiatives are expected from Andhra Pradesh’s Chief Minister. He emphasized the importance of such actions for the state’s progress and public sentiment.
Beyond the train renaming, Shivaji also put forth several key proposals aimed at improving infrastructure and boosting tourism in Vijayawada. He called for a redesign of the flyover situated near the Kanaka Durga temple. This measure is intended to ease the severe traffic congestion experienced by residents attempting to access the One Town area without utilizing the existing flyover. He urged the government to consult technical experts to implement effective solutions for this perennial problem.
Furthermore, the APCC leader recommended the construction of a new ghat road on the rear side of Indrakeeladri hill and proposed a ropeway connection between Bhavani Island and Punnami Ghat. These projects, he believes, would significantly enhance tourism potential in the region. Concluding his address, Mr. Shivaji called for greater transparency from the government, specifically requesting that the funds allocated for the upcoming Dasara festival celebrations be made public.