The Safilguda level crossing (LC No 254) has been permanently closed for the past one and a half years, causing inconvenience to commuters of Anandbagh, Malkajgiri, and Sainikpuri. Local residents are asking the State government and Railways to build an underpass near or next to Safilguda Gate.
The closure of the gate was initially temporary for repair works in January 2023, but it was later discovered that it was closed permanently after the construction of Uttamnagar road under the bridge. This closure has affected around 6,000 families living in the area who rely on this route to reach Secunderabad via AOC from Safilguda.
Locals have raised concerns multiple times to officials about the need for an underpass to ease the daily hardships faced by commuters. The railway officials have requested the State government to issue an NOC for the construction of an underpass under the Gati Shakti scheme, but there has been no response from the government.
The closure of Safilguda Gate has led to heavy road traffic, and the available alternative route is narrow and difficult for vehicles to navigate. Residents propose constructing a U-shaped road or using existing roads near the railway traction substation to ensure smooth traffic flow. Without the gate, commuters are forced to take a detour of 3 km and spend more than 20 minutes just to cross the track.