Rail passengers seek better Secunderabad station facilities ahead of Dasara

Rail passengers have urged the Railway Board and SCR to improve amenities, ease congestion at Secunderabad Railway Station and expedite pending projects ahead of Dasara. Demands include train diversions, additional stoppages, better MMTS services and safer, less congested platforms.

Hyderabad: In view of the Dasara festival, railway passengers have requested the Railway Board and South Central Railway (SCR) to improve passenger amenities, ease congestion at Secunderabad Railway Station and expedite long-pending infrastructure projects, pointing out that commuters too deserve a festive gift in the form of better facilities and convenient train services.

While appreciating the Secunderabad Divisional Railway authorities for managing the heavy festive rush and operating special trains alongside regular services, citizens expressed concern over construction material, machinery and escalator spare parts occupying substantial portions of platforms, leaving passengers with limited walking space and inadequate seating facilities.

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The Long Trains and MMTS Travellers Association president Noor Ahmed Ali urged railway authorities to examine the feasibility of diverting around 40 per cent of suitable trains towards Kazipet and Nalgonda via Malkajgiri, subject to operational feasibility.

The association also sought stoppages for suitable express trains at Charlapalli and Malkajgiri stations to distribute passenger traffic and reduce pressure on Secunderabad railway station.

Meanwhile, several commuters from Malkajgiri have appealed to the Railway Ministry and SCR to provide clean toilets, drinking water and other essential amenities at stations. They requested early commissioning of proposed MMTS stations at Anandbagh and Loyola College (Alwal), upgradation of Neredmet railway station, extension of selected trains and revision of MMTS timings to benefit office-goers, students and daily commuters.

The residents further appealed to railway authorities to avoid major engineering and signalling works during the festive rush wherever they could safely be deferred, warning that poorly timed works could lead to cancellations, diversions and delays.

They urged officials to open newly developed stations and passenger facilities that are reportedly around 95 per cent complete, provided they meet safety requirements and have the necessary clearances.

The association representatives said passenger safety and convenience must remain the top priorities and called for adequate staffing, timely removal of construction materials from platforms, better utilisation of Malkajgiri and Charlapalli stations, and time-bound completion of pending projects.