Hyderabad, August 20: In Telangana, Members of Parliament have presented several demands to the central government regarding railway infrastructure and connectivity. MP Vaddi Raju has called for the establishment of a railway station in Bhadrachalam, the laying of a railway line from Kothagudem to Bhadrachalam, and the renaming of Kothagudem railway station to ‘Bhadraadri Kothagudem.’
Meanwhile, MP Balram Naik has accused the central government of neglecting railway development in Telangana and failing to prevent illegal encroachments on railway land.
Vaddi Raju stated that a meeting was held with Telangana MPs to discuss railway-related issues, attended by Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy and several other MPs. The meeting prioritized demands for railway projects and passenger facilities from various regions in Telangana. Bhadrachalam is one of the country’s major religious sites, home to the famous temple of Lord Rama. Despite this, there is currently no direct railway station in Bhadrachalam.
He emphasized the need for a new railway line from Kothagudem to Bhadrachalam, which would connect the area to regions such as Jagdalpur, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh. This would enhance railway connectivity not only for Telangana but also for several neighboring states. The proposed railway network could position Telangana as a crucial connectivity point among five states, improving transportation facilities for tribal, Dalit, backward, and rural populations.
Raju noted that the new railway line would benefit passengers and significantly ease freight transport. It could facilitate the movement of iron ore and other minerals from mining areas in Odisha and Chhattisgarh, as well as transport linked to the Singareni coal mines in Telangana. He also raised the demand to rename Kothagudem railway station to ‘Bhadraadri Kothagudem,’ believing this would better reflect the district’s identity and the religious significance of Bhadrachalam within the railway network. Additionally, he called for an underpass to be constructed at the railway gate in Gandhi Chowk, Khammam, following its closure.
Raju has also requested the continuation of services at Mallamudugu railway station and the reinstatement of stops for certain trains at Madhira railway station. He mentioned that many trains were operational and had stops before the COVID-19 pandemic, but some of these services were discontinued afterward. He highlighted the long-standing need for better train connectivity for passengers in Mahbubabad, Kesamudram, and Nekonda.
In the meantime, MP Balram Naik has reiterated accusations against the central government for overlooking railway development in Telangana. He stated that the state is not given adequate importance in terms of new trains, railway projects, and infrastructure. He also raised concerns about encroachments on railway land, citing complaints from areas like Malkajgiri. He urged the central government to take action on this issue.
Naik further addressed the discontinuation of the previously available ‘Izzat Pass’ for low-income travelers. He explained that this pass allowed poor passengers to travel by train at a lower cost, but it has since been abolished. He referenced the initiatives led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy for children and low-income families, asserting that the state government is working with the needs of the common people in mind. Criticizing the central government, he emphasized that basic facilities like railways should provide relief to the common man, accusing them of neglecting the interests of the poor and middle class.
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