Gautham Nagar Awaits Relief From Railway Gate Woes
We face this problem every day as the railway gate keeps closing frequently: Reports
HYDERABAD: Frequent closures of the railway gate at Gauthamnagar in Malkajgiri have turned into a daily ordeal for commuters, with the long-pending construction of the road underbridge (RUB) yet to materialise . Residents and motorists say they are forced to wait for extended periods, disrupting their daily schedules, whenever passenger and goods trains pass the level crossing, The railway gate reportedly closes every 10 to 15 minutes. When two or three trains pass one after another, commuters are left stranded for nearly half an hour. Office-goers, school and college students, and residents travelling between Gauthamnagar, Dayanandnagar, Ekalavyanagar, Indira Nehrunagar and Malkajgiri are among those affected.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, resident Ramana Reddy said the problem was particularly severe during the morning and evening peak hours. "Traffic comes to a standstill for nearly half an hour, at times, causing considerable inconvenience to office-goers and students," he said.
This reporter witnessed traffic coming to a halt as the gates closed three times for MMTS and freight trains in a short period. Vehicles queued up on both sides, with commuters waiting for at least 10 to 15 minutes on each occasion.
"We face this problem every day as the railway gate keeps closing frequently. Sometimes two or three trains pass one after another, making it difficult for students and employees to reach their destinations on time," said Venkateshwarlu, a commuter.
Residents said alternative RUBs at Safilguda, Anandbagh and Lalaguda were located at a distance and would require them to take longer routes. They added that they had submitted representations to the Railways, roads and buildings department, the Malkajgiri Municipal Corporation (MMC), the Water Board and the electricity department seeking a permanent solution.
"Officials from various departments and public representatives have visited the site several times to examine the possibility of constructing a RUB. However, there has been no progress on the ground. Authorities must take the initiative to resolve this long-standing problem," said Sridhar, a resident of Indira Nehrunagar.
Residents have urged the authorities to expedite the project. Though the project was approved by the railways, the reasons for the delay, the status of the project and the steps being taken to take it forward are awaited from the concerned authorities.