Several passenger associations have been demanding the introduction of MMTS trains from Cherlapalli to various parts of the twin cities.
| Photo Credit: Representational Photo
The Suburban Train & Bus Travellers Association has appealed to South Central Railway (SCR) general manager to advise the Divisional Railway Managers (DRMs) of Hyderabad and Secunderabad to hold a special meeting to decide on ‘decentralisation’ of trains in city limits to offer best services to passengers.
Association general secretary Noor, in a press release here on Tuesday, informed that passengers are disappointed with the poor transport system available in the newly-opened Cherlapalli terminal station, especially after many long distance trains have been moved there in view of the ongoing modernisation works in Secunderabad railway station.
He pointed out that several passenger associations have been demanding the introduction of MMTS trains from Cherlapalli to various parts of the twin cities. There have also been requests to introduce six-coach trains instead of the current nine- or 12-coach ones on the Secunderabad/Falaknuma–Medchal routes, as there aren’t enough rakes available and current occupancy is often just 10 to 20 passengers.
The associations also proposed modifying the track circuit on the Secunderabad-end to allow more trains to originate from Cherlapalli towards Secunderabad and Kacheguda. This would enable trains heading south and west to start and end their journeys at Cherlapalli.
Mr. Noor called for centralising major stations such as Secunderabad, Kacheguda, Hyderabad and Lingampalli. He proposed starting trains from Cherlapalli towards Vikarabad via Sanathnagar or Secunderabad, and towards Kurnool via Malkajgiri. Trains bound for Nizamabad, he suggested, should originate from Kacheguda.
Until the ongoing works at Secunderabad are completed, trains heading towards Mumbai could start from Hyderabad or Cherlapalli. He also recommended a five-minute halt for all trains going towards Lingampalli or Hyderabad and urged the operation of high-frequency MMTS services.
The association stated that with the recent hike in metro fares, this is the right time to expand the MMTS network in the twin cities to boost both occupancy and revenue for the Railways. It also suggested that new MMTS stations be constructed at Anandbagh and Loyola College.
Published – May 21, 2025 12:05 on is
