The significant third line project in the Grand Trunk route viz., Kazipet – Balharshah project, covering Telangana & Maharashtra states, has taken another crucial step with the completion of works between Wirur – Manikgarh Both the third line works as well Electrification works for a distance of 19.2 kms now stands commissioned.
- The section between Kazipet – Balharshah is a vital rail link situated along the Grand Trunk Route connecting Northern parts with the Southern region of the country.
- The section between Kazipet – Balharshah on SCR falls in both Telangana and Maharashtra states.
- This main line falling under the Grand Trunk route has been witnessing continuous growth of both Passenger and Freight traffic, leading to oversaturation of this section.
- To decongest this vital section, initially the tripling works between Raghavapuram – Mandamarri for a distance of 33 Kms have been completed in the year 2016.
- To further ease the traffic, tripling & electrification works on the balance stretch of Kazipet – Balharshah section, for a distance of 202 Kms (Telangana-159 Kms & Maharashtra-43 Kms) has been sanctioned in the year 2015-16 with an estimated cost of Rs 2,063 Crore.
- As part of it, 31 kms between Potkapalli – Raghavapuram has already been completed.
- Now, out of 43 Kms stretch that falls in Maharashtra state, third line works between Wirur – Manikgarh for a distance of 19.2 Kms has been completed giving boost for the socio-economic development of this region.
- Especially, Manikgarh station is the interchange point with Central Railway and it is the junction for connecting several cement and coal sidings, situated near Manikgarh station.
- Commissioning of third line of this stretch will ease the congestion for both freight and passenger trains.
- Shri Gajanan Mallya, General Manager, South Central Railway has complimented the entire Team of both Secunderabad Division and Construction Organisation, who have completed the tripling and electrification works.
- He opined that completion of Kazipet – Balharshah tripling project eases the congestion in this oversaturated route and facilitates handling of more number of trains effectively.
- Accordingly, execution of third line works of the entire project is being taken up simultaneously in different sections and the works in balance stretches of both Telangana & Maharashtra region are progressing at a fast pace.
Recent Update:
Shri Gajanan Mallya, General Manager, South Central Railway undertook annual inspection of Bellary – Gooty – Anantapur – Dharmavaram section on 09th November, 2021. He was accompanied by Shri K.Venkatramana Reddy, Divisional Railway Manager, Guntakal Division and other senior officials (from both the Headquarters and Division) throughout the inspection. Shri Gajanan Mallya commenced the inspection at Bellary and inspected a major bridge in Haddinagundu – Hagari section.
- He conducted extensive checks on the safety aspects of the bridge and interacted with the staff deployed to look after the safety of the bridge.
- Later, he proceeded onto Hagari Railway station, wherein he inspected the station premises and reviewed the available passenger amenities.
- As part of the National Solar Mission and reduction of energy consumption, the General Manager inaugurated a 10 Kwp Solar plant towards Net Zero Energy at Hagari Railway station.
- He also inspected the Railway quarters at Hagari and planted saplings to promote a green environment.
- Further, the General Manager examined the safety aspects of a minor bridge and level crossing gate in Hagari – Virapur section.
Speed Test:
- The General Manager inspected the Electronic in-motion weigh bridge in Guntakal west and conducted a speed test from Guntakal to Gooty section.
- At Gooty, he reviewed the passenger amenities available at the station.
- He inspected the crew lobby, carriage & wagon depot, running room and discussed the overall improvement of facilities with the concerned officials.
- He also inaugurated accommodation for female crew at the running room.
- During the inspection, the General Manager visited the photo exhibition set up at Gooty station, displaying various initiatives and developmental activities undertaken by Guntakal Division.
- Further, he visited the Railway staff quarters and interacted with the family members of the employees.
- The General Manager also visited the Health Unit at Gooty and reviewed the health infrastructure and facilities, while interacting with the Doctors and staff.
Tracks & bridges:
- Later, Shri Gajanan Mallya carried out safety inspection of tracks & curves, examined major and minor bridges as well as level crossing gates in Ramarajupalli -Kalluru section.
- The General Manager proceeded onto inspect Kalluru Railway station.
- He inspected the station premises including station master’s office, running room and circulating area.
- He also inaugurated a 10 Kwp Solar Power Plant at the station.
- Further, he carried out a rear window inspection from Kalluru – Anantapur section to examine the safety aspects of tracks and curves.
Anantapur Railway Station:
- Later, Shri Gajanan Mallya proceeded onto Anantapur Railway station and reviewed the passenger amenities available at the station including the circulating area.
- The General Manager also declared Anantapur Railway station as a DiGi Pay station for implementation and operation of user-friendly digital payments.
- He visited the staff quarters at Anantapur and reviewed the facilities available, while interacting with the family members of the employees.
- During the inspection, Shri Talari Rangaiah, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Anantapur met Shri Gajanan Mallya, General Manager, SCR and discussed on Rail developmental plans pertaining to his region.
- He also submitted a representation to the General Manager with regard to development and fulfillment of public aspirations.
Other Inspection:
- Further, the General Manager visited the goods shed which is under construction at Prasannayanapalli.
- He reviewed the progress of the project and advised the officials to expedite the works for early commissioning.
- He also carried out a speed test from Prasannayanapalli to Dharmavaram.
- At Dharmavaram, the General Manager carried out a detailed inspection of the station premises including crew lobby, running room and TTEs room.
- He mainly focused on the passenger amenities available at the station.
- He also reviewed the facilities available in the Health Unit at Dharmavaram.
- During the course of inspection, the General Manager interacted with the media and briefed them about the plans for improvement of Rail facilities.
- Several public representatives also met the General Manager and discussed on Rail developmental plans pertaining to their region.
Source: South Central Railway-Press Release
