PM Modi to Inaugurate Cherlapally Terminal, MMTS Phase-II Progress

Union Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Development of Northeast Region, G. Kishan Reddy, announced during a press conference held at Secunderabad railway station that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to inaugurate the upcoming fourth terminal at Cherlapally towards the month's end or in the first week of March. Additionally, he provided updates on the progress of the MMTS Phase-II suburban railway services, stating that it will be completed in all aspects in the next few days, with the last remaining section between Sanathnagar and Moula Ali set to be ready by month's end. However, he refrained from committing to starting new MMTS services or acquiring new train sets for the extended services. Despite the State Government's reluctance to contribute financially, Mr. Kishan Reddy highlighted that sections up to Falaknuma and Medchal were opened last year. He also mentioned plans to extend the MMTS line from Ghatkesar to Yadadri, with survey works already underway and tenders soon to be called. The Minister expressed intentions to engage with the State Government to seek cooperation for these endeavors, reiterating his commitment to building and running MMTS services, with or without their financial assistance. Mr. Kishan Reddy inspected the ongoing redevelopment of Secunderabad railway station, emphasizing its modernization plans, which include features akin to an airport, such as segregated arrivals and departures, food courts, passenger lounges, and disability-friendly facilities. The station will also boast multi-modal integration with Secunderabad east and west metro stations and the bus station via skywalks, eliminating the need to step onto the road. The modernized station will comprise 26 lifts, 32 escalators, two travelators, multi-level parking, foot over bridges, and more. The Minister noted the phased demolition of existing structures and office relocations, ensuring minimal disruption to the station's operations, which run round the clock. The project is expected to be completed by November 2025, with several other stations in Hyderabad, including Kacheguda and Lingampally, undergoing similar transformations. Furthermore, Mr. Kishan Reddy announced plans to lay the foundation stone for a station at Komuravelli soon. He emphasized the importance of railway stations in facilitating suburban and district travel once the proposed Regional Ring Road (RRR) is constructed, enabling passengers to bypass the city center. The press conference was attended by SCR General Manager Arun Kumar Jain and other senior officials.