Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for approval of several pending railway projects in the state, emphasizing their crucial role in contributing to the national goal of a $5 trillion economy. Reddy highlighted the participation of Telangana’s four crore citizens in this national endeavor and underscored the state’s significant contribution.
This appeal came during the virtual inauguration of several railway projects across India, including the newly completed Charlapalli Railway Terminal in Telangana. While expressing gratitude for the Charlapalli terminal, CM Reddy used the opportunity to press for the Centre’s approval of vital pending projects. These included:
* Kazipet Railway Coach Factory: Reddy reiterated the long-standing demand for this factory, a promise previously made but yet to be fulfilled.
* Enhanced Regional Connectivity: This encompassed proposals for a Regional Ring Rail along the Regional Ring Road, the expansion of Metro Rail Phase 2, and the construction of a new railway line connecting Vikarabad to Karnataka.
* Dedicated Infrastructure for Industrial Growth: The Chief Minister advocated for a dedicated greenfield highway and a special railway line connecting Hyderabad to Bandar Port. This infrastructure, he argued, would significantly boost industrial growth, particularly within Telangana’s thriving pharmaceutical and automobile sectors, and improve connectivity for dry ports.
* Metro Rail Expansion: Reddy pointed out Telangana’s decline in metro development ranking from second to ninth nationally due to stalled progress over the past decade. He stressed that the approval of Phase 2 proposals is vital for Hyderabad’s continued urban development.
* Vikarabad-Karnataka Railway Line: Improved interstate connectivity was cited as a key reason for prioritizing the immediate construction of this railway line.
The significance of these projects extends beyond Telangana’s borders. The state’s substantial contribution of 35% to India’s pharmaceutical production necessitates improved transportation logistics. Furthermore, the burgeoning automobile and electrical manufacturing sectors require enhanced connectivity and infrastructure to attract further investment. The 370 km Regional Ring Road project, currently in the tendering phase, is expected to stimulate urbanization and investment upon completion.
The event was well-attended, including Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, Union Ministers Kishan Reddy and Bandi Sanjay Kumar, State IT and Industries Minister Duddilla Sridhar Babu, Malkajgiri MP Etela Rajender, and representatives from other states. CM Reddy concluded by emphasizing that Telangana’s continued development is contingent upon the swift approval and cooperation of the Central Government on these crucial infrastructure projects.