SCR expects more funds to fuel growth

Hyderabad: The South Central Railway (SCR) officials are hopeful that in 2018-19 budget, the division will get good allocations as it had been the fastest revenue earning zone. The SCR was allotted Rs 3,034 crore in 2017-18 budget as against Rs 2,134 crore for 2016-17, an increase of 42 per cent. In 2017-18 budget, SCR was allotted good funds especially for infrastructure projects. SCR got 13 new infrastructure projects in the same year.

Rs 100 crore was allotted for MMTS Phase II and the commissioning of the first stretch was to take place by December 2017 but it did not happen. However, a survey for Ghatkesar–Yadadri extension was completed. Rs 5 crore was also allotted for the Cherlapally terminal but SCR had been unable to make any headway. 

Talks for the development of a mega terminal to reduce the burden on Secunderabad station had been going on in the last few years. The General Manager had said the token amount would set the ball rolling as surveys could be conducted. The SCR had 30-acre land and would require 130-acre to develop six platforms and other facilities. The plan is in conceptual stage but this allotment though a small sum is helpful to kick start the project, the general manager said. 

However, officials are hopeful that this year too Telangana would get good allocations, just on the fact that it is one of the most revenue generating zone. The plans to turn Secunderabad Railway Station as an international terminal fell flat, as bidders went back citing feasibility problems. 

Tenders were called trice, but the station redevelopment project did not take off. Under the project, the bidder could commercially exploit the second and third floors of the station and also the land around the station. About 5.62 acre of space in and around the station would be given to the private parties to invest in commercial real estate.