Hyderabad: Major construction flaws at the newly redeveloped Charlapalli terminal railway station stood exposed in the rains that hit Hyderabad on Saturday. The rain dislodged several roofing sheets and sent water cascading into waiting areas, leaving passengers on multiple “summer special” trains wading through puddles. Buckets and makeshift barriers lined platforms as staff attempted to divert the leaks. The ₹413-crore project was inaugurated with fanfare by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January.
Charlapalli, billed as a future terminus and decongestion hub for Secunderabad, has already faced criticism for its location on Hyderabad’s outskirts and limited onward connectivity. Narrow approach roads, scarce city-bus links and minimal feeder services make the 25-km trip from central Hyderabad arduous for most travellers.
“Connectivity was our first hurdle — now we’re fighting rainwater inside the concourse,” one stranded passenger complained.
Railways officials declined on-record comment but sources said an engineering team has been dispatched to assess damage and verify contractor compliance.
Opposition leaders have demanded an audit of construction quality, arguing that the leaks “washed away the veneer of a showcase project” barely four months after its inauguration. The South Central Railway is expected to file a preliminary report this week on the station’s structural integrity and remedial measures ahead of the monsoon.
