Telangana is set to witness an unprecedented infusion of investment into its railway sector, with the Centre earmarking Rs 80,000 crore to modernise stations, enhance capacity and promote sustainable rail transport.
This represents one of the largest single-state investments by Indian Railways, aimed at driving urban connectivity, easing passenger flows, and integrating the region more efficiently into the national railway grid. Of the total outlay, around Rs 42,000 crore is already being utilised across ongoing projects, including electrification, new rail line development, and station modernisation works. Notably, 346 kilometres of new rail lines have already been laid—a significant milestone in a state that had long been underserved by the central rail network. These investments, officials say, mark a 20-fold increase in budgetary allocations for Telangana compared to previous years.
Three upgraded stations—Begumpet, Warangal, and Karimnagar—were virtually inaugurated this week as part of the Amrit Bharat Station scheme. The initiative seeks to modernise 1,300 stations nationwide, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics while integrating energy-efficient and environment-friendly features. The architecture of these redeveloped hubs reflects local heritage, with Begumpet station showcasing design elements inspired by the Kakatiya era. The modernisation is intended not just to beautify, but to scale infrastructure to meet future travel demands, accommodating the anticipated surge in passengers over the next three to four decades. Work is also underway on major stations such as Secunderabad, with a budget of Rs 720 crore allocated for its complete transformation. Similar upgrades are being implemented at the historically significant Nampally and Kacheguda stations.
In a rare move underscoring the urgency of the development agenda, the Centre has pushed ahead with MMTS Phase-2 (Multi-Modal Transport System) without waiting for state-level approvals. The initiative will strengthen Hyderabad’s suburban rail network and is expected to provide a low-emission alternative to road travel for daily commuters. A proposal to extend this phase up to Yadadri is being examined, catering to the influx of pilgrims and suburban travellers. In addition to the 40 stations sanctioned under Amrit Bharat in Telangana, 119 stations across the South Central Railway zone have been marked for redevelopment. Officials maintain that all major station works will be completed by the end of next year, signalling a shift towards more climate-conscious, commuter-centric rail systems.
The Centre’s focus on Telangana’s rail infrastructure is not merely about improved travel speeds or expanded reach. It reflects a broader policy pivot towards regional equity, heritage preservation, and sustainable urbanisation. With comprehensive electrification, station greening, and upgraded passenger amenities, the state’s rail network is being reshaped into a model of future-ready infrastructure—bridging both geography and opportunity.
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