Rail Users Seek Trains to Match Station Makeover
Rail users have sought more MMTS services, additional train stoppages and better passenger facilities to complement the redevelopment of Hitec City railway station.
The redevelopment of Hitec City railway station at a cost of ₹29 crore is nearing completion, with inauguration expected soon, even as rail users have raised concerns over passenger services. The station is among 42 being developed in the state under the Amrit Bharat Station scheme.
Passengers, however, have sought improvements in train services, including introduction of more MMTS services, additional ordinary trains and increased stoppages at smaller stations, stating that infrastructure upgrades should be matched by operational enhancements.
They also raised concerns over the Railway Board’s reported denial of the state government’s proposal to make MMTS services free. The state government had proposed to roll out the scheme from June 2, Telangana Formation Day, and had offered to bear the expenditure as part of efforts to ease traffic congestion in the city and surrounding areas.
Train Travellers Association and ZRUCC member Noor Mohd Ali said, “Passengers have urged the railway authorities to introduce more trains at convenient timings, extend MMTS services to Charlapalli, upgrade Neredmet station, and provide additional halts at Loyola College and Anandbagh. They also sought the early opening of stations where nearly 90 per cent of the work has been completed. Women commuters at Malkajgiri station have been facing inconvenience for the past two years due to the lack of washroom facilities.”
The association said, “Crores of rupees have been spent on upgrading Malkajgiri railway station. To ensure that the investment benefits passengers, important trains such as the Rayalaseema Express, Devagiri Express, and services to Jaipur and Bhagat Ki Kothi should be given stoppages at the station.”
