Former Union Minister of State for Railways, Bandaru Dattatreya struck a chord with the MMTS passengers reminding that the popular facility was his contribution to Hyderabad in 2001, and nothing moved on this front in the last 13 years.
“I brought MMTS to the city as a union railway minister and promise to get the second phase in a couple of years if Mr. Narendra Modi becomes the Prime Minister,” he told the passengers, who received him with affection. Mr. Dattatreya travelled from Kacheguda to Hitech city station as a part of the campaign to promote Mr. Modi as the next Prime Minister.
Mr. Dattatreya targeted the large number of techies travelling to their workplace in Hitech city, and explained the need to vote for Mr. Modi. “If you wish to have a bright future and a corruption free Government vote for Mr. Modi and also impress your relatives and friends,” he repeatedly told the youngsters. Several girls voluntarily walked up to him and expressed their support while seeking better facilities, improved frequency and more safety measures in MMTS.
“My father is a fan of Mr. Dattatreya and I will vote for him this time,” said a girl, who works for Cognizant while busily shooting pictures to upload on her Facebook. Some passengers raised slogans in favour of Mr. Modi as he interacted with them.
Mr. Dattatreya reminded that he had also sanctioned funds for the second phase of MMTS in 2004 but nothing moved since the UPA came to power. “It was supposed to be completed in 2007 with an estimated cost of Rs. 450 crores but now the cost has escalated to Rs. 800 crores. But we will bring in second phase if NDA is voted to power,” he said.
He said even the Metro Rail was sanctioned by the NDA Government in 2003 and it was to become operational in 2007 but the Congress Government with its corrupt practices has dragged it to 2014 and still the work is moving at a sluggish pace. He promised to create MMTS hubs in the city at Alwal and Old Gandhi hospital in Secunderabad and ensure proper connectivity coordinating with the RTC. Vasantha, state executive committee member, Girija Sampath of Mahila Morcha and several BJP leaders accompanied him.
