MMTS extension to Yadadri likely to be launched by PM soon

The long-pending MMTS rail connectivity project linking Secunderabad to Raigir near Yadadri is expected to begin soon, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi likely to launch it in April. The Rs 430 crore project aims to improve suburban rail access for devotees.

Hyderabad: The long-pending and much-awaited Multi-Modal Transport System (MMTS) rail connectivity project to the temple town of Yadadri is expected to be set in motion, with works expected to commence soon.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to formally launch the project in the month of April, giving a major push to suburban rail expansion in the city outskirts. The local railway authorities are awaiting confirmation from the Prime Minister’s Office in this regard.

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The project, which is part of MMTS phase-II, is being executed by South Central Railway (SCR), and the railway authorities have set a target to complete the works within three years and make it operational for citizens. The contract was recently awarded to Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), while land acquisition up to Raigir has already been completed.

The project was initially sanctioned in 2016-17 and planned to be a joint project between the railways and the State government. Subsequently, the railways decided to take up the project independently with central funding, which has been sanctioned in phases by the Union Government.

The proposed 33-km stretch from Secunderabad to Raigir through Charlapalli and Ghatkesar is planned to be developed at an estimated cost of Rs 430 crore, which includes work of laying new railway lines, doubling of tracks in required sections, electrification, construction of new stations, and modernisation of existing infrastructure.

Once completed, the MMTS extension is expected to significantly ease travel, particularly for devotees visiting the famous Yadadri Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple. Pilgrims will be able to reach Raigir by train and cover the remaining 4 km to the temple by road, making the journey faster and more affordable.

At present, thousands of devotees depend on TGSRTC buses and private vehicles to visit Yadadri temple. With MMTS services, direct connectivity from Lingampalli to Yadadri via Secunderabad will become possible and rail users from Umdanagar and Medchal are also expected to benefit.