The MMTS phase-II may not commence passenger operations anytime soon. But the citizens can look forward to having additional local train services towards Hi-Tec City from Secunderabad in peak hours soon.
Interestingly, the South Central Railway (SCR) authorities have been planning to introduce eight new MMTS trains, which have just arrived from the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, on the existing phase-I on Hyderabad-Falaknuma- Secunderabad- Lingampally route. “They are 12 car trains, unlike the existing nine car trains. They will offer better comfort to passengers and have better carrying capacity,” said General Manager Gajanan Mallya in an exclusive interaction with The Hindu. Apart from the glossy exteriors and pleasing interiors, the new trains have increased seating capacity of around 1,000 passengers per train, coupled with standing capacity of more than 3,000 passengers. The new trains are not air-conditioned, but have regenerative braking system that results in lower power consumption.
“During our inspection of the MMTS services, passengers travelling towards Hi-Tec City requested for more services during peak hours as there is a large time gap between two trains. I have asked my people to provide some space during mornings and evenings for an extra service as local trains are also run on common tracks,” he said. The MMTS phase-I runs on 10 and nine car trains for a total of 121 services every day and they would be shifted to suburbs like Bollarum and others where platforms cannot accommodate 12 car trains. While the MMTS phase-I travel is likely to get better with the new trains, the phase-II services are dependent on the Telangana government releasing the dues of ₹450 crore.
“We have not stopped work, but we cannot continue as payments have to be made to the contractors. There is also challenging work like level crossings and bridges between Sanatnagar-Moula Ali. So it could take up to a year to complete all the work as we need the government’s cooperation for land acquisition too. We are hoping to streamline the work after the poll code,” said Mr. Mallya.
Incidentally, the Commissioner of Rail Safety (CRS) has already given clearance for running services for two stretches of Bolarum-Medchal and Tellapur-R.C. Puram, but these are unlikely to be opened in isolation.