Vijayawada Division Set for Unique Rail Over Rail Bypass to Ease Freight Traffic

A unique Rail Over Rail (ROR) bypass is taking shape in the Vijayawada Railway Division, where one railway line will pass over another instead of relying on a conventional level crossing. The 22-km bypass between Rayana­padu and Mustabada is being developed at an estimated cost of around ₹500 crore. The project is in its final stages, with the route expected to become operational by the end of this year, subject to the completion of the remaining works. The bypass is aimed primarily at easing congestion caused by freight traffic at Vijayawada railway station. Goods trains arriving from the Kazipet and Secunderabad sides will be diverted through the alternative route without entering Vijayawada station, enabling smoother and faster freight movement.

The entire 22-km route has been divided into three sections. The 10-km stretch between Rayana­padu and Vijayawada North/East Cabin forms one section, while the six-km Vijayawada North/East Cabin–Gunadala stretch was commissioned in 2023 and is already serving as a crucial part of the bypass. Another six-km section between Gunadala and Mustabada is currently under construction. Once all three sections are interconnected, an alternative rail route from Rayana­padu to Mustabada will be available. The completion of the bypass is also expected to strengthen the role of Rayana­padu and Gunadala as satellite stations and support increased freight-handling capacity and revenue in the Vijayawada Division.