Secunderabad Railway Work to Help Trains Move Faster

Big changes are happening on the train lines around Secunderabad. More tracks are being added and new lines are being built. This should help trains move better and faster, making travel easier for everyone.
By Newsroom | Transport, India |

Significant railway infrastructure upgrades are underway and nearing completion in the Secunderabad region, intended to address persistent train congestion and enhance travel efficiency. These projects, spanning multiple lines and involving track expansion and new routes, aim to streamline operations for both passenger and freight services.

Key chord line to ease Secunderabad congestion nears completion - 1

Recent developments indicate that South Central Railway (SCR) is actively progressing on key projects designed to boost capacity. A notable initiative is the plan to transform the heavily utilized Secunderabad–Kazipet rail corridor into a four-track section, a move expected to ease operational bottlenecks where nearly 150 trains currently operate daily.

Key chord line to ease Secunderabad congestion nears completion - 2

Projects Underway and Their Scope

SCR is advancing several major third-line projects, with substantial portions already completed.

Key chord line to ease Secunderabad congestion nears completion - 3

  • Vijayawada–Kazipet Third Line: This 219-km project, costing approximately ₹1,952 crore, covers parts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Significant progress has been made, with large segments already finished.

  • Kazipet–Balharshah Section: The 205-km stretch, with an estimated cost of ₹2,063 crore, is also seeing substantial completion, with 187 km already done.

  • Secunderabad–Wadi Expansion: This 173-km project, a crucial part of the Hyderabad-Mumbai line, has received central approval. It involves constructing a third line between Sanathnagar and Hafizpet, and third and fourth lines between Hafizpet and Wadi, at an estimated cost of ₹5,012 crore, with a five-year completion target.

Targeted Congestion Relief

The primary objective of these infrastructure expansions is to mitigate the congestion that impacts train movement within the Secunderabad area and on vital connecting routes.

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  • Secunderabad–Kazipet Corridor: A proposal for a four-track system on this section is awaiting clearance from the Railway Board. The existing line experiences heavy usage, with approximately 150 trains daily. This proposed upgrade aims to create additional train paths for smoother operations.

  • New Chord Line: A new four-kilometer chord line connecting Lallaguda and Sitaphalmandi is under construction. This line will enable trains from the Kazipet-Cherlapalli-Moula Ali section to take a direct route to Kacheguda station, bypassing the Malkajgiri-Sitaphalmandi loop. This is expected to save at least 30 minutes for passengers.

  • Secunderabad–Wadi Project: The planned multi-tracking, including third and fourth lines on parts of this corridor, is intended to ease congestion on a busy route for both passengers and freight, supporting industrial and energy sectors.

Broader Infrastructure Developments

Beyond the immediate Secunderabad corridor, SCR is undertaking broader initiatives to enhance railway capacity.

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  • Third Line Projects: SCR has neared completion on several third-line projects across its network. This includes the Vijayawada-Gangineni (35 km), Gangineni-Khammam (72 km), and Mahabubabad-Kazipet (72 km) stretches. Other completed sections include Kazipet-Raghavapuram (90 km) and stretches in Maharashtra.

  • MMTS Phase II: The doubling and electrification of a 10-km single line between Seethaphalmandi and Moula Ali, via Malkajgiri, is progressing as part of the MMTS Phase II project. This work is noted to present technical challenges due to high traffic in the area.

Economic and Connectivity Implications

The expansion of railway infrastructure is anticipated to yield significant economic benefits and improve connectivity.

  • The Secunderabad–Wadi project is expected to facilitate freight transportation for industries like cement and power plants.

  • The development of new and expanded lines aims to strengthen connectivity to key industrial hubs in Telangana.

  • By easing congestion, these projects are expected to enhance the overall efficiency of goods transport.

Expert Commentary

Senior railway officials have stated that the capacity augmentation will "ease long-standing operational bottlenecks" and "create extra train paths, ensuring smoother movement of both passenger and freight services."

The new chord line project has been described as a "game changer" for Hyderabad's rail network.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The ongoing and near-complete railway projects in the Secunderabad region represent a substantial investment in infrastructure aimed at alleviating critical congestion points. The planned four-track system on the Secunderabad–Kazipet route and the new chord line connecting Lallaguda and Sitaphalmandi are central to this effort, promising improved operational efficiency and reduced travel times. While the Secunderabad–Wadi project is slated for completion within five years, other initiatives, including various third-line projects, are nearing their final stages. These developments collectively signal a significant upgrade in railway capacity, with clear implications for regional connectivity and economic activity. The successful execution of these plans will be a key indicator of SCR's ability to manage and enhance one of its busiest operational areas.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are they building more train tracks?
They are building more tracks to help with the many trains that use these lines. This will stop trains from getting stuck and help them move faster.
Q: Will this help passengers?
Yes, this should help trains run more on time. Some new lines will also make journeys shorter.
Q: What parts of the railway are being changed?
They are adding more tracks between Secunderabad and Kazipet, and also on the line towards Wadi. A new small line is also being built to help trains go to Kacheguda station.
Q: When will the work be finished?
Some parts are almost done. The big project to add more tracks to Wadi is planned to finish in about five years.