Hyderabad: Rail infrastructure development took a significant leap forward in Telangana State as Union Minister of Railways Piyush Goyal launched various passenger amenities/facilities and flagged off the extension of Kacheguda – Nizamabad passenger train up to Karimnagar at a function held at Secunderabad Railway Station on Friday.
The Minister also dedicated a host of rail infra works which have been completed, to the nation.
Addressing the huge gathering assembled at the function, Piyush Goyal expressed happiness at the pace of rail development in the state of Telangana, being undertaken by South Central Railway.
Highlighting the priority of the Rail Ministry towards the state, the Rail Minister stated that Telangana is witness to the best period of rail development in the last four years with the Capital Investment for rail projects rising from Rs. 258 cr in 2014 to Rs.1813 cr in the current fiscal 2018-19, an staggering increase of over 600%.
Speaking on the plans of Indian Railways to enhance efficiency, the Rail Minister spoke of the plan to optimize asset utilization in a smart way by means of skillful handling of maintenance time of trains, so as to reduce the same.
Elaborating on the infra projects which have been launched today, Piyush Goyal stated that, provision of LED lighting at all 224 railway stations and 561 service buildings in Telangana will lead to a saving of Rs. 1.7 cr per annum. With regard to the spread of Wi-Fi facility at railway stations, the Rail Minister spoke of this measure as a Government of India’s Digital India initiative to bring the access to internet at the door steps of the masses.
The provision of Wi-Fi at 20 rural railway stations is bound to bring a communication revolution. The example of Gollapalli station where a Government school adjacent to the railway station is able to access the Wi-Fi signals, enabling teachers make use of the same to augment student learning, is a pointer to this direction, the Minister added.
He also stressed on the need to harness solar energy towards a better environment and appreciated SCR’s endeavor in this direction.
Piyush Goyal, who also flagged off the Kacheguda – Nizamabad passenger on its extended run to Karimnagar, detailed on the benefits of this rail service which will enhance mobility in North Telangana. He assured that the Mumbai LTT – Nizamabad Express will also be extended to Karimnagar.
The Peddapalli – Karimnagar – Nizamabad new rail line project was sanctioned in 1994, but picked up pace and reached completion in the last four years with the budgetary allocations being increased in tune with its importance. Likewise, other major projects of Jaggayapet – Melacheruvu –Janpahad and Manoharabad – Kothapalli new line projects are also accorded high priority, the Minister informed.
Stressing on the need for fast decision making, the Rail Minister stated that expansion of Cherlapalli Terminal will be taken up soon and steps will be taken to facilitate provision of multi level car parking at Ganesh Temple towards Platform No.1 side of Secunderabad Railway Station.
A skywalk connecting Secunderabad Railway station with the new Hyderabad Metro station will be provided, he added.
Earlier, SCR General Manager Vinod Kumar Yadav, in his welcome address, said that SCR is rendering a commendable performance under the dynamic leadership of Piyush Goyal. The Zone has registered the best growth of 12% in its originating gross earnings in the last financial year.
Safety is high on SCR’s priority and as per the directives of the Rail Ministry, SCR is on the mission mode to eliminate Unmanned Railway Level Crossings.
Upgradation works related to track maintenance and renewals have been taken up in a big way while punctuality of trains is being monitored at the highest level. The execution of infra structure projects is also proceeding fast said the General Manager and added that in Telangana 152 Kms of new railway line have been completed in the last four years.
A booklet on 4 years achievements of Railways in Telangana state showcasing the entire development of Railways during the period was also released on the occasion by the Rail Minister.
Secunderabad MP Bandaru Dattatreya, Nizamabad MP K.Kavitha and Deputy CM Md Mahmood Ali also spoke on the occasion. The dignitaries present at the program included Ministers Naini Narsimha Reddy and T. Padma Rao Goud, GHMC Mayor Bonthu Rammohan, Rajya Sabha MP D. Srinivas, MLAs Dr. K.Laxman, G. Kishan Reddy, N.V.S.S.Prabhakar and MLC K. Ramchander Rao. At Nizamabad, Agriculture Minister P. Srinivas Reddy was present. (INN)