SCR GM reviews progress of MMTS Phase-II

Hyderabad, Nov 20 (INN): South Central Railway General Manger Ravindra Gupta stressed on the need to prioritize rail project works, setting deadlines and attaining them, so as to ensure economic viability and timely commissioning. He was addressing a meeting held to review the progress of MMTS Phase-II and other Projects being undertaken by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) on Friday at Rail Nilayam, Secunderabad.

P. Srinivas, Chief Project Manager, RVNL made a power point presentation on the RVNL works in progress on SCR's network, which include MMTS Phase-II, Wadi ' Raichur ' Guntakal electrification, Hospet ' Guntakal electrification, Rail Bogie Karkhana, Yadgir etc. He briefed the SCR General Manager on the actual status of the ongoing works and the plans formulated by RVNL for completion. Issues needing attention and cooperation of the Railways were also brought out.

On MMTS Phase-II project, Ravindra Gupta was briefed on the progress of the work, which is proceeding ahead in all the five stretches simultaneously. The MMTS Phase-II covers a length of 103 kms and is estimated to cost Rs. 819 crore. The RVNL officials informed that on the existing double line Moula Ali-Ghatkesar (14 kms) stretch, another two rail lines are being added to facilitate handling of MMTS train movements. The Moula Ali-Sanathnagar section of 23 kms, which is presently a single line and serves Goods Traffic movement, is being doubled as part of MMTS Phase-II. This length, which covers densely populated areas passes through Defence land also. The Secunderabad-Bolarum existing double line is being electrified, while work is on for doubling of the Bolarum-Medchal stretch. Work is also in progress on the Falaknuma-Umdanagar section.

As many as 16 major bridges are coming up under MMTS Phase-II project out of which, work is in progress on 11 bridges. 133 minor bridges are also slated to be constructed out of which, 46 are already complete. RVNL has set targets to complete the project in a phased manner.

After the review presentation, the SCR GM addressed the RVNL and senior railway officials present at the meeting and asked them to quickly finalise plans which are pending rail project works and evolve a coordinated approach towards completing them on schedule. He called for framing a strict timeline for each of the project, which shall be reviewed at regular monthly meetings so as to meet targeted completion dates. Stressing on the importance of MMTS Phase-II project, he stated that this project will serve to decongest Hyderabad City and will majorly contribute to the Urban Development Plan of the Twin Cities. The RVNL officials also appraised the General Manager on the issues concerning Defence land on Sanathnagar-Moula Ali section which needs to be acquired for the MMTS project. The issue is being pursued with the Defence Authorities at New Delhi and a positive outcome is on way, it was informed. The SCR General Manager, on his part also assured of all cooperation to sort out this matter.

The General Manager assured that the railways will be ready to clear plans furnished by RVNL concerning the projects in progress in the least possible time, towards which he wanted the Divisional Railway Managers to coordinate.

Amongst the officials present were, Umesh Singh, Additional General Manager, J.N. Jha, Chief Operations Manager, SCR.