Hyderabad: South Central Railway (SCR) has initiated disciplinary action against officials from the construction department over the structural damage that Cherlapally railway terminal had suffered on May 3 following a spell of rain and strong winds.
After visuals of a roof sheet collapsing at the newly-constructed terminal went viral casting doubts over the quality of railway construction, the SCR General Manager ordered an immediate investigation.
According to sources, the investigating team has submitted its preliminary report highlighting certain shortcomings. SCR authorities responded promptly by taking corrective action. Action has been initiated to penalise the contractor, who has been instructed to redesign the ceiling structure. Further steps will be taken based on the revised design.
The Cherlapally terminal was developed at a cost of Rs.413 crore to serve passengers travelling to the eastern parts of Hyderabad. The station, with nine platforms and amenities comparable to airport standards, was seen as a major infrastructure upgrade. Several special trains were operating from the terminal, with plans in place to shift many regular train services operating from Secunderabad.
Public outrage over the incident has sparked doubts regarding several ongoing railway development projects across the city and state.
According to officials from the railways’ construction wing, strong winds and heavy rain caused the false ceiling panels at Cherlapally station to collapse. The terminal is built at an elevation of five metres higher than the surrounding areas. Additionally, the portico ceiling is at a height of 18 metres, making the overall elevation of the station nearly 25 metres from ground level. The absence of built-up areas or trees nearby allowed high-speed winds to directly impact the structure.
When the intense winds entered through the ceiling panels on May 3, they damaged the suspension system which holds the panels in place, causing them to fall.
