BRS Leader Advocates for New Railway Division in Kazipet to Address Overload
In a significant move aimed at improving railway administration in Telangana, BRS working president KT Rama Rao has formally appealed to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for the creation of a new railway division with its headquarters situated in Kazipet. This request comes in response to the escalating operational strain currently faced by the Secunderabad division, which has been stretched beyond its optimal capacity due to recent restructuring efforts within the South Central Railway and the operational launch of the South Coast Railway.
Secunderabad Division's Excessive Size and Complexity
In a detailed letter dispatched on Wednesday, KTR highlighted the critical issues plaguing the Secunderabad division. He pointed out that the division currently manages an extensive 2,755 track kilometers, a figure that is projected to surge to approximately 3,150 track kilometers with the addition of new double-line sections. This substantial expanse far exceeds the recommended administrative range for divisions across the Indian Railways network, making Secunderabad an outlier in terms of size, complexity, and traffic density.
To underscore this imbalance, KTR drew comparisons with other divisions in the region. For instance, the Vijayawada and Guntakal divisions each handle around 2,200 track kilometers, while the Guntur division operates under 900 track kilometers. This stark contrast underscores the urgent need for restructuring to ensure efficient management and operational smoothness.
Kazipet Proposed as a Strategic and Viable Alternative
Pitching Kazipet as a highly viable and strategic alternative, KTR outlined that the proposed new division would encompass several key high-density sections, forming a coherent and manageable network. The coverage would include:
- Kazipet–Balharshah
- Peddapalli–Nizamabad
- Kazipet–Yerrupalem
- Dornakal–Manuguru
- Motumari–Vishnupuram
- Kazipet–Wangapalli
Collectively, these routes span between 1,500 and 2,000 track kilometers, which aligns well with established divisional norms and would significantly alleviate the burden on Secunderabad.
Call for Review of Redistribution Proposals
In addition to advocating for the new division, KTR also called for a thorough review of existing redistribution proposals. He specifically urged the withdrawal of the transfer of the Peddapalli–Nizamabad section to the Hyderabad division, suggesting it be reassigned to Kazipet instead to ensure better geographical and operational continuity. Furthermore, he recommended reconsidering the proposed shift of the Latur Road–Parli Vaijnath section to the Nanded division, emphasizing the need for a more balanced and logical distribution of railway assets.
Kazipet's Strategic Importance and Infrastructure Growth
Highlighting Kazipet's pivotal role in the region's railway network, KTR noted its position at the junction of major trunk routes, which has been bolstered by rapid infrastructure development. Key advancements include the implementation of triple lines towards Balharshah and Vijayawada, as well as a sanctioned quadruple line between Secunderabad and Kazipet. These enhancements position Kazipet as a critical rail hub capable of supporting increased administrative responsibilities.
Moreover, the establishment of a railway manufacturing unit, along with nearby ROH shed and locomotive facilities, further strengthens Kazipet's case as an ideal location for a new division headquarters. This infrastructure not only supports operational efficiency but also promotes local economic growth and job creation in Telangana.
KTR's appeal underscores a broader effort to optimize railway management in the state, ensuring that administrative structures keep pace with growing demands and infrastructure expansions. The proposed Kazipet division represents a strategic step towards enhancing operational efficiency, reducing congestion, and improving service delivery across Telangana's railway network.
