Secunderabad railway station is facing renewed congestion concerns ahead of the Dasara festival, with passengers and commuter representatives asking South Central Railway and the Railway Board to clear platform obstructions, improve basic amenities and distribute train traffic across nearby stations.
Passengers have appreciated the Secunderabad divisional railway authorities for managing heavy festive demand and operating special trains alongside regular services. However, they said construction material, machinery and escalator spare parts were occupying substantial portions of platforms, leaving limited walking space and inadequate seating for travellers.
Noor Ahmed Ali, president of the Long Trains and MMTS Travellers Association, asked railway authorities to examine the feasibility of diverting around 40 per cent of suitable trains towards Kazipet and Nalgonda via Malkajgiri. The proposal, he said, would remain subject to operational feasibility and could help reduce the pressure on Secunderabad station.
The association also sought stoppages for suitable express trains at Charlapalli and Malkajgiri stations. The demand is aimed at distributing passenger movement across the wider rail network instead of concentrating festive traffic at Secunderabad, one of Hyderabad’s key railway hubs.
Commuters from Malkajgiri separately appealed to the Railway Ministry and South Central Railway to provide clean toilets, drinking water and other essential facilities at stations. They also sought the early commissioning of proposed MMTS stations at Anandbagh and Loyola College in Alwal, the upgradation of Neredmet railway station, extensions for selected trains and revised MMTS timings for office-goers, students and daily commuters.
Passengers further asked railway authorities to avoid major engineering and signalling works during the festive rush wherever such work could safely be deferred. They warned that poorly timed works could result in cancellations, diversions and delays during a period when station footfall is expected to increase.
The commuters also urged officials to open newly developed stations and passenger facilities that are reportedly around 95 per cent complete, provided they have met safety requirements and received the necessary clearances. They called for adequate staffing, the timely removal of construction material from platforms and better utilisation of Malkajgiri and Charlapalli stations.
The demands place the focus on both immediate crowd management and the completion of pending suburban rail improvements. Passenger representatives said safety and convenience should remain the priority, and called for time-bound action on the outstanding projects before the festive rush intensifies.
