Petition Addressed To

• Hon’ble Union Railway Minister, Government of India, New Delhi
• Hon’ble Chairman, Railway Board, New Delhi
• Hon’ble Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi
• Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), New Delhi
  
  

I am Nagendra Kumar Kota, an Advocate, born and brought up in Salur, Parvathipuram Manyam District of Andhra Pradesh. I am presently practicing law in Visakhapatnam and also serve as a Member of the Legal Guardian Committee under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. I submit this petition not only as a legal professional, but as someone who has personally witnessed the slow erosion of hope, opportunity, and livelihoods in my native tribal region.

As per the Census of India, 2011, the Salur Assembly Constituency has a population of approximately 1.5 lakh people, of whom nearly 1 lakh belong to Scheduled Tribes. Despite being one of the most significant tribal-dominated regions in Andhra Pradesh, Salur continues to suffer from decades of neglect in railway connectivity and basic transport infrastructure.

The primary livelihood of tribal (Girijan) communities in and around Salur depends on seasonal fruits and traditional millets such as finger millet (ragi), pearl millet (gantelu), sorghum (jonnalu), kodo millet (arikelu), little millet (samalu), and barnyard millet (oodalu), along with pulses, vegetables, cotton, tamarind, banana, and rice. All these crops are cultivated organically and are rich in nutrition, contributing directly to national food security and sustainable agriculture.

However, these communities lack basic storage, cold-chain, and transportation facilities. Living in rugged hilly terrain, their houses are often damaged by heavy rains and winds, making safe storage of produce impossible. If fruits and crops are not transported immediately after harvest, they perish. Due to the absence of reliable transport—especially railways—nearly 80% of tribal agricultural produce is wasted every season. The hard work of tribal farmers is literally buried in the soil.

Tribal produce cannot be sold profitably in a single local market. It must reach high-demand regions across the State and the country to fetch a fair price. Without railway connectivity, this is impossible. As a result, tribal families remain trapped in poverty even after seven decades of independence.

The impact is not limited to tribal farmers alone. Urban and semi-urban residents of Salur also suffer due to poor connectivity. People are forced to travel via distant stations like Bobbili, Vizianagaram, or Visakhapatnam, causing financial strain and hardship to students, patients, workers, and senior citizens.

In the past, a Rail Bus service between Salur and Bobbili operated multiple daily trips. It helped farmers transport produce cheaply and allowed affordable travel for ordinary people. This service was withdrawn with assurances that new railway lines and station development would follow. Public funds—reportedly around ₹2 crore—were spent on infrastructure, yet no new rail service was introduced. Instead, connectivity was reduced further.

I grew up in Salur hearing the sound of trains every day. That sound once symbolised connection, progress, and hope. Today, as I approach the age of 50, the trains are gone—but the neglect remains. Livelihoods, roads, and opportunities are largely unchanged, while generations continue to suffer.

We are not asking for luxury. We are asking for justice.

Railway connectivity is a lifeline for tribal regions. It can:

• Prevent massive wastage of organic food
• Ensure fair income for tribal farmers
• Improve access to education, healthcare, and employment
• Promote tourism and regional development
• Restore dignity and opportunity to a long-neglected constituency

We therefore urgently demand:

• Immediate improvement of Salur Railway Station
• Initiation of railway connectivity such as:

1. Salur–Visakhapatnam (direct or via Vizianagaram)
2. Salur–Araku–Koraput
3. Salur–Raipur (with Odisha linkage)

This is not just about Salur. It is about correcting a historic injustice and ensuring that tribal regions are not left behind while the rest of the country moves forward.

We urge the Railway Minister, Railway Board, Tribal Affairs Ministry, and the Prime Minister’s Office to take immediate and time-bound action.

 
Why This Petition Matters

Every signature strengthens the voice of tribal farmers, students, women, and families who have waited for development for generations. Please sign and share to help restore connectivity, livelihoods, and dignity to Salur.