Railway Budget: SCR gets shot in the arm

HYDERABAD: South Central Railway (SCR) general manager G N Asthana said an increase in SCR’s allocation in the Union railway budget will translate to better services for commuters. He also said several new projects have been sanctioned to increase railway capacity.
Addressing a post-railway budget media conference here on Wednesday, the SCR general manager said, “We are currently serving close to a million passengers everyday.With a planned outlay of Rs 3,350 crore this year for our region, it will provide adequate funds for speedy completion of worksand improving passenger experience . There are several new projects sanctioned for the state, which will increase the capacity of SCR. Besides new trains and lines for the state, the city itself has benefited immensely as the MMTS Phase-II has been sanctioned.”
On introduction of new trains, he said one-third of the 75 new trains announced by the Union minister would pass through SCR jurisdiction. Fifteen new Express trains would originate in the state, while 10 new one would pass through the region.
The SCR would also take up development of two new lines– Badrachalam- Kovuur (151 Km at an estimated cost of Rs 800 cr and Akkanpet–Medak line (17 km at an estimated cost 115 cr)–would be taken up in the state. Asthana also informed that SCR created a record of sorts by laying 131 km of newrailway line during 2011-12 .
Completion of lines during 2012-13 include Banaganapalli-Nandyal , Marikel-Makhtal , Raichur-Gadwal , Morthad-Armoor and Cuddapah-Ganganapalli.
On safety, Asthana said the SCR registered a few minor accidents last year and recorded zero passenger death. “The accidents happened at unmanned crossings. There are 1,038 unmanned level crossings in SCR and they will be phased out in the next five years,” he added.
The SCR chief also pointed out that there has been a 50% increase in allocation for passenger amenities. “Last year, we were given Rs 81 cr, but this year we got Rs 124.7 cr,” he said.
Drawing attention to line multiplication and electrification projects, he said, “The Kazipet-Vijaywada line has 100 % utilization , resulting in congestion. A third line has been sanctioned on this section which will decongest rail traffic. Electrification of Nallapadu- Guntakal and Hospet - Guntakal and Torangallu – Ranjitpuraa has also been sanctioned.” Besides these, three existing doubling projects would also be completed.
The MMTS fare has been increased by two paise per km with minimum fare increasing from Rs 2 to Rs 5.
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