Visakhapatnam: Recently, Dr. A Mallikarjuna, the Collector of Visakhapatnam District, addressed Union Railway Minister Ashwani Vaishnaw’s statement regarding the state government’s alleged failure to provide land for the South Coast Railway Zone. Dr. Mallikarjuna highlighted a key decision made during a December 2023 meeting, where 52.22 acres of land in the old survey number 26 were approved for allocation to the railways.
He emphasized that a letter dated January 2, 2024, was sent to the Ministry of Railways, urging resolution of existing disputes and the prompt handover of the designated land. Additionally, the Collector requested the railways to send a representative for the formal handover process. Dr. Mallikarjuna acknowledged potential delays in the railway’s response. Importantly, he clarified that there was no negligence on the part of state government officials. The unfolding controversy now awaits the BJP’s reaction to this new development.