Redeveloped Secunderabad, Nampally Railway Stations To Be Opened Next Year: Kishan Reddy
Several railway projects in the State were facing land acquisition issues: Kishan Reddy
Hyderabad: Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy on Thursday said the Secunderabad and Nampally railway stations, which were being redeveloped with latest passenger amenities, were expected to be inaugurated next year. Works related to expansion of the Multi-Modal Transport System (MMTS) to Yadagirigutta would commence soon, he said.
Speaking after the inauguration of redeveloped Begumpet railway station under Amrit Bharat Station scheme, he said the Begumpet railway station would now be exclusively operated by women employees.
The Central government is developing 1300 railway stations simultaneously, a feat unmatched by any other country in the world. In Telangana, the development of 40 railway stations is underway at the same time.
By 2026, these stations will be designed to reflect local culture and heritage. The Secunderabad railway station is being developed at a cost of Rs.720 crore. The Central government has allocated Rs.350 crore for development of Nampally (Hyderabad) railway station. These two stations are expected to be re-inaugurated next year, the Union Minister said
He said several railway projects in the State were facing land acquisition issues, which are slowing down the progress of work. Land acquisition for the development of approach road to Cherlapally railway station and the expansion of Secunderabad railway station is still pending.
For these development programs to proceed quickly, the State government must cooperate fully. “We urge for expeditious completion of the land acquisition process,” Kishan Reddy said.
In all, the railway development works worth Rs.5,337 crore was progressing at various levels in Telangana and works valued at Rs.42,219 crore were currently in progress, he said, adding that the Prime Minister sanctioned the construction of Komuravelli railway station, and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav performed the ground-breaking ceremony.
“We are planning to dedicate the station to Komuravelli Mallanna devotees this Dussehra. The MMTS phase-2 project faced a delay of six to seven years due to negligence of the previous government. Despite lack of cooperation from the previous State government, the construction of MMTS Phase-2 was taken up at an estimated cost of Rs.1,000 crore,” he said.
Even without support from the State, the Central government initiated Phase-2 construction with approximately Rs.1,000 crore. The MMTS has been sanctioned up to Yadagirigutta, and works will commence soon with an allocation of Rs.400 crore, Kishan Reddy said.
To prevent railway accidents, the Central government has implemented 'Kavach' technology across 617 kilometers in Telangana as a pilot project. The railways eliminated 121 unmanned level crossings. Additionally, 203 new Road-under-Bridges, 43 Road-over-Bridges (ROBs), and 45 Foot-over-Bridges have been constructed in the State.
“A former minister, who criticizes development works on Twitter, should realize the truth. If necessary, I will send him a letter,” he said, adding that the Railways installed high-speed Wi-Fi in 174 stations and set up 88 stalls.
The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the Railway Manufacturing Unit in Kazipet, being built at a cost of Rs.580 crore. As part of nationwide railway infrastructure rebuilding, high-speed Wi-Fi facilities are being made available at 174 railway stations in Telangana.
Despite criticism from the son of the previous Chief Minister regarding the unit, he did not attend the foundation stone ceremony and limited himself to criticism instead of supporting development. A series of revolutionary railway development programs will be implemented in Telangana in the next four years.