Stalemate over funds for MMTS Phase II between SCR and Telangana Govt resolved
T P VENU
The long drawn battle between South Central Railway and the Telangana Government over Hyderabad Multi-Modal Transport System (MMTS) finally seems to be resolved. According to sources the State Government has agreed to go for barter by allocating land near Cherlapally in lieu of the pending ₹760 crore that the State Government has to release as part of the agreement. As per the pact, the State Government would have to bear 2/3rd cost of the project. Till date, the State Government released Rs 129 crore.
MMTS Phase II original sanctioned cost of ₹816.55 crore has escalated to ₹1,150 crore over the years due to delays.
If not for the dilly-dallying, the MMTS Phase two would have been completed long time ago aver experts. The Railways on its part state that considerable amount of work was completed in spite the Telangana Government not releasing funds. A senior official on condition of anonymity said that there is light at the end of the tunnel as the State Government now agreed to part with land which would be crucial to complete the Cherlapally mega terminal.
The Cherlapally terminal is being developed to ease the traffic at the Secunderabad Railway station. At present, five new stations are under construction on the Moula Ali – Sanathnagar route like Firozguda, Suchitra Center, Bhudevi Nagar, Neredmet and Moula Ali HB Colony; three stations have been restored on the Telapur – R.C. Puram line. It means 32.10 km of the 84.05 km of the project has been completed with services already operating between Telapur-R.C. Puram for the last few years.
Minister Ashiwini Vaishnaw had recently stated that the Railways invested close to Rs 580 crore which is double the share. He added, “If the State Government comes forward the project would be completed.
It may be noted that the State Government indicated plans of extending MMTS Phase II from Ghatkesar by 33 km. Railway officials say it is feasible and would help the common man.
TIME LINE
- MMTS phase II 85-km project was cleared in 2012-13 at ₹817 crore with the government accepting two-third cost.
- The ₹816-crore, 101.05-km project began in 2014.
- The Telangana government released only ₹129 crore till date.
- Telangana Government has to deposit a revised cost of ₹760 crore.
- MMTS Phase II original sanctioned cost of ₹816.55 crore has escalated to ₹1,150 crore over the years due to delays
