The Telangana State Government today urged the Centre to take measures to include extension of MMTS train facility to Yadadri (Yadagirigutta) under Bhongir mandal of Nalgonda district from Ghatkesar, on the city outskirts.
Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, in a letter addressed to Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu, urged him to take an initiative for extending the MMTS train facility as the State government was ready for cost-sharing of two third while the Centre bear one-third and make the allocations in Railway Budget for 2016-17. As per existing cost-sharing of MMTS pattern, the present proposal is estimated to cost about Rs 330 crore and the State will bear Rs 220 crore and the Railways has to bear Rs 110 crore for the purpose. The Chief Minister stated that Yadadri temple has a railway line passing nearby with a halt station at Raigir on the Secunderabad-Kazipet section. MMTS services in and around Hyderabad city have become very popular and currently phase II of MMTS is under execution. he said.
The CM’s letter assumes significance as the second phase of the MMTS services are set to complete the extension till Ghatkesar, 21 km from Secunderabad Station in 2016-17 financial year. It can be further extended by 32 km from Ghatkesar to Raigir by laying a third railway line with attendant signaling works and Raigir can be renamed and developed as Yadadri Railway station and to be made into a pilgrimage and spiritual hub.
The Chief Minister also explained that the new extension will cater to the growing number of train commuters to the temple town of Yadadri (Yadagirigutta). The State Government has already allotted 2000 acres to Yadadri Temple Development Authority to develop the Yadadri temple on the lines of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams with all standards, connectivity, facilities and infrastructure. The Chief Minister noted that during weekends, over 40,000 to 50,000 people take this train route to Kazipet from Hyderabad passing through Raigir. He urged the Railway Minister to extend the MMTS train to Raigir, which is just 15 km away from Yadadri temple area and help commuters get timely transportation facility. To implement a plan of action in a big way the State government is allotting adequate funds of Rs 100 crore in the budget every year. (NSS)