Hyderabad: Union Minister of Coal and Mines, G Kishan Reddy, announced that Rs 430 crore has been spent on developing the Cherlapalli railway terminal. He stated that 98 per cent of the work is completed, and the terminal will be operational by the end of November.
Speaking to the media after visiting the Cherlapalli terminal, the minister highlighted that the Central government is focusing on improving infrastructure in Telangana. He mentioned that Telangana’s railways have faced neglect since independence, and now the government is working on railway development in “mission mode.” Reddy also stressed that electrification of railway lines across the state is progressing rapidly.
The minister explained that once the Cherlapalli terminal becomes operational, it will ease the pressure on other major stations like Secunderabad, Kachiguda, and Nampally. He noted that the terminal is well connected through the Outer Ring Road (ORR), making it easily accessible. He reiterated that most of the work is complete, and the remaining parts will be finished within a month. The terminal will serve both passenger and goods trains, with 20 passenger trains expected to stop there. Modern unloading and parking systems for goods trains have also been set up.
Reddy also emphasized that the Cherlapalli station has been built with modern facilities, including waiting rooms, restrooms, escalators, and lifts for the disabled and elderly. However, he pointed out that the State government needs to improve road connectivity between Cherlapalli and the city. He confirmed that the General Manager of South Central Railways and he himself have already written letters to Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, urging the State government to expedite the road work.
The minister also noted that environmental measures have been integrated into the construction of the Cherlapalli station. He added that he plans to hold meetings with railway and government officials soon to discuss further developments.
Turning to railway safety, Reddy mentioned that the Kavach system, which is being developed as a pilot project using indigenous technology, is showing positive results. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ensuring that the Kavach system is being implemented across Telangana to prevent railway accidents.
Additionally, he announced that five Vande Bharat trains will soon arrive from Secunderabad, with plans to increase the number in the future. There are also discussions about adding sleeper coaches to these trains.
Finally, Reddy shared that the Secunderabad Railway Station is being redeveloped with modern technology and facilities, and it will become one of the best stations in South India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the revamped Secunderabad station before December 2025.
