The step towards sustainable urban transport, Union Minister for Coal and Mines, G Kishan Reddy, announced the near-completion of the redevelopment of Cherlapalli railway station in Telangana. This project, built at an impressive cost of ₹430 crore, integrates modern amenities with eco-friendly initiatives, aiming to enhance railway infrastructure while minimising environmental impact.
During a recent inspection of the station, Reddy reported that 98% of the construction work has been completed, with only minor tasks remaining. The revamped Cherlapalli station is set to handle 25 pairs of trains, bolstered by the addition of ten new lines, raising the total to 19 lines. This expansion is expected to alleviate the congestion currently faced at Secunderabad, Hyderabad, and Kacheguda stations, ultimately improving travel efficiency for thousands of daily commuters.
The redevelopment of Cherlapalli Station emphasizes environmental sustainability with initiatives like the translocation of 500 trees, installation of rainwater harvesting pits, a sewage treatment plant, solar panels, and LED lighting. A compensatory afforestation plan to plant 5,500 trees further underscores this commitment. These measures aim to reduce the station’s carbon footprint and enhance regional biodiversity. Passengers will enjoy modern conveniences such as an executive lounge, waiting halls, sleeping pods, cafeterias, and EV charging points. Reddy highlighted the government’s mission to upgrade railway infrastructure in Telangana, with 40 stations redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station scheme, including the KAVACH safety system for enhanced operational safety.
Community response to the redevelopment has been largely positive. Local residents express optimism that the new station will not only ease daily commutes but also generate employment opportunities during and after the construction phase. “It’s exciting to see our station modernised with such a strong emphasis on sustainability,” remarked a resident. “These changes can significantly improve our quality of life.” As the project approaches its conclusion, the Cherlapalli station exemplifies a model for future railway developments, balancing modernisation with environmental stewardship. By prioritising sustainable practices, the government sets a precedent for integrating eco-friendly initiatives into infrastructure projects, thereby contributing to broader climate goals.
