Secunderabad station modernisation picks up pace; phased openings over next 13 months

The ₹715-crore modernisation of Secunderabad Railway Station is progressing well, with the south-side block near the Bhoiguda entrance expected to be completed over the next four months. Other components of the project, including the main entrance on the north side and the cover over platforms, will be opened in phases over the next 13 months, said Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy on Monday.

“The entire project is scheduled for completion by December 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the revamped facility, which will be capable of handling 2.7 lakh passengers per day, up from the current 1.97 lakh and 32,500 passengers per hour, compared to the present 23,000,” the Minister said at a press conference after reviewing the progress with top South Central Railway (SCR) officials.

Calling it a challenging task to execute the works without disrupting signals, tracks, or train services, Mr. Reddy said new walkways will connect the station to metro rail stations on either side, as well as to the bus stop, eliminating the need for passengers to cross roads. He urged the State government to expedite road-widening works near the main entrance to facilitate smoother access.

The project also includes the construction of four foot overbridges and a double-storey sky concourse spread over three acres. This area will house a waiting hall for 3,000 passengers, along with cafeterias, restaurants, retail outlets and other amenities. Rainwater harvesting pits with a capacity of 3.5 lakh litres are being built to ensure that not a single drop of rainwater goes waste, he explained.

Mr. Reddy noted that Telangana has been allocated ₹5,337 crore for railway development this year. Over the past decade, the State has seen the commissioning of 346 km of new lines and 487 km of doubling, tripling and quadrupling works. A record 1,959 km of track has been electrified, nearing 100% coverage.

Further, 293 road underbridges, 43 road overbridges and 49 foot overbridges have been constructed. Completed works are valued at ₹31,000 crore with ongoing projects costing ₹42,219 crore.

SCR additional general manager Satya Prakash, divisional railway manager R. Gopalakrishnan and chief administrative officer Ranadheer Reddy were present.