Hyderabad, December 18, 2023: Ms Karuna Gopal Vartakavi, Senior BJP Leader called on two cabinet ministers today in New Delhi, requesting their intervention in solving Civic Infrastructure issues plaguing the Malkajgiri area.
She had a lengthy discussion with Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister for Railways; about the hardships faced by the citizens due to the closure of Safilguda Level Crossing (LC 254), its impact on traffic movement. She urged the minister to also fast-track the MMTS Phase II project – the proposed project between Moula-Ali and Hitech City via Sanathnagar. If implemented this project will reduce the commuting time significantly for office goers.
In a meeting with Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister for Housing & Urban Development; she requested an extension of the current Metro Rail network to areas like Malkajgiri, ECIL, Trimulgerry, Bowenpally, Bolarum. This, she highlighted would result in even development of the city and facilitate hassle-free fast travel for the commuters. Travelling by Metro would reduce the carbon footprint of the city and contribute to the Net Zero vision of Prime Minister Modi, she said. Ms Karuna Gopal also discussed the expansion of the Ramakrishna (RK) Puram flyover from 2 lanes to 4 lanes to ease out the traffic flow.
Response from Ministers
Upon receiving the representation from Ms Karuna Gopal Vartakavi, both the Union Ministers assured action on the same. Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw immediately instructed his subordinates to study the issue of LC 254 and resolve at the earliest. Shri Hardeep Singh Puri promised to look in to the representation.
Ms Karuna Gopal was approached by the President of Resident Welfare Associations (RWA) Mr BT Srinivasan, requesting her to take the lead in highlighting the key issues faced by the residents of Malkajgiri Parliamentary constituency.
Representation details:
Closure of Safilguda Level Crossing – Narrow
One of the major issues was to get alternative solutions for the traffic woes of commuters due to the closure of Safilguda Level Crossing (LC no 254).
The LC 254 is remained closed since December 2022 for some repairs to the gate. About one lakh citizens use this Level crossing every day, which passes through the heart of Malkajgiri suburbs. Frequent closure of Level crossing is making the situation worse for the commuters coming from various neighbouring localities as this LC is the linking path that connects various areas. The issue has been lying unresolved for a decade now.
With the gate closed, the entire traffic is being routed through an unmanaged T-Junction, which results in a traffic hazard leading to chaos during peak hours. Life would come to a standstill if any alternative RuB/ RoB is not constructed at this LC.
In the past there were many requests and representations to the Telangana government to address the issue under its SRDP phase 4 but there is no clear response from GHMC.
Request to fast track the MMTS Phase II project – The proposed project between Moula-Ali and Hitech City via Sanathnagar If implemented, this connection will reduce the commuting time significantly for office goers and others.
Expansion of Ramakrishna (RK) Puram flyover from 2 lanes to 4 lanes – Conduct a feasibility study for expanding the existing narrow flyover on Ramakrishna Puram (RK puram) railway station to ease out the traffic flow.
Extension of existing Metro Rail network
The Hyderabad Metro Rail presently is being operated on three lines with 67 Km of coverage. On average 5 Lakh people commute daily by the metro in Hyderabad which has about 1.2 Crore Population.
Malkajgiri Parliament Constituency has areas that form part of the under-developed North and North Eastern part of Hyderabad. The cantonment area and surrounding neighbourhood have narrow roads and high vehicular movement. The proposed phase 2 of the Metro expansion plan doesn’t include these areas which need immediate attention.
It has become extremely difficult for the citizens to reach the central and other parts of the city. The extension of metro rail services to underserved areas like Malkajgiri/ECIL/ Trimulgerry / Bowenpally / Bolarum would result in even development of the city and facilitate hassle-free fast travel for commuters. Travelling by Metro would also reduce the carbon footprint of the city and contribute to the Net Zero vision of PM Modi ji.