The Government is sparing no effort in pushing for the second phase of metro rail project to link up the city with the international airport at Shamshabad and is also generously funding it.
In sharp contrast, the same alacrity seems to be missing in funding its share of the MMTS phase II (two) project being executed by the Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) for the South Central Railway (SCR).
The ₹816-crore, 101.05-km project, which began in 2014, is running behind schedule as the first portion of 5.75-km in Tellapur-Ramachandrapuram section was to be commissioned in December last. Trial runs for this section has been completed and the onus is on the railways to start operations while construction is apace in other sections - to be done by December 2018.
Other sections are: Bolarum-Medchal, Moula Ali-Ghatkesar, Falaknuma-Umdanagar and Sanatnagar-Moula Ali.
But, whether the completed section and others routes will be opened for commercial use is in serious doubt as the State Government after giving ₹160 crore is yet to allot ₹380 crore to the SCR as part of its assurance to fund two-thirds of the total cost.
Board’s directive
The issue was brought to the notice of Minister for IT and Municipal Administration K.T. Rama Rao in a meeting with the railway officials in April. “The Railway Board had actually directed us to halt work if the State Government does not release funds to the project. But, we have not stopped work and have spent about ₹470 crore in total, including more than ₹300 crore from our side. Obviously, we cannot go on like this and have been requesting for early resolution,” say senior railway officials, wishing to remain anonymous.
Land pooling
The Government had hit upon the idea of ‘land pooling’ in the suburbs in the districts to fund the project by selling plots and 350 acres was identified at Cherlapally. However, it is going to be a long-drawn process, which is making the railways edgy.
Senior railway officials observe that the work may not be stopped altogether though it could affect the pace if the funds do not flow in soon, further delaying the project might enhance costs.
“Laying additional lines, electrification, etc., will help the SCR to move long-distance passenger and freight trains more efficiently in addition to running any suburban city trains”, they point out.
“We may have to start phase II (two) operations with our existing MEMU trains from the old rolling stock till we receive funds from the State Government,” disclose senior railway officials. Interestingly, four new rakes or trains of nine coaches each are to be procured.
Two more trains
The SCR plea for an additional ₹82 crore to add two more trains as it expects increased passenger demand has been rejected. Senior Government officials are not sure of early resolution. “It is clearly not among the top priorities,” they shrug.
