RTI reply reveals Secunderabad MMTS service never on time
Secunderabad: Multi-modal transport system(MMTS) trains running late is an open secret and most complained about by the Hyderbadi commuters. However, nothing much has been done to run these trains on schedule by the South Central Railway(SCR) which oversees its operation, laments MMTS passengers.
While the service is hailed for its affordable prices, an RTI reply throws light on how the service is never reliable when it comes to its timings.
M Srinivas, Communist party of India(Marxist)(CPM) Secretary received a RTI reply from South Central railway regarding a MMTS train number 47233 plying between Medchal and Secunderabad for the month of March. As per its reply not even once arrived at secunderabad railway as per its scheduled time of 9:40 Am.
Expressing his views on the same, M Srinivas said, “Not a single day of the month, the said MMTS service never arrived on time. Will any passengers travel in MMTS in such a situation? Only 10 to 20 people travel in this train a day. The condition of other trains running under Phase 2 is even worse. It is the railway department that is responsible for such a bad situation. Due to the regular cancellation of MMTS trains in the name of repairs, the situation has already arisen where passengers are abandoning train travel and resorting to alternative transport and private transport”.
Once the first choice of transport
It is pertinent to note that once MMTS was the primary choice of transport for its cheapest and affordable and for its vast connectivity. It was considered one of the significant transport lifeline for all the job holders, who used it the most, as it connects various suburbs like Hyderabad, Secunderabad, Falaknuma, Lingampally, Medchal and Umdanagar. With time due to various factors like Covid 19 and introduction of new transportation facilities like Metro, it lost its footfall.
Srinivas further added that despite spending Rs.800 crores under MMTS Phase 2, it has become of no use to the passengers. The train timings are not being useful to the people.
The CPM secretary demanded Central and State Governments to make the MMTS train system accessible to common people. CPM wants Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to review the MTS system as well as review for the development of Metro Rail and take immediate steps for development.
CM Revanth Reddy reorganizes disaster management for Greater Hyderabad
HYDERABAD: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has decided to assign critical responsibilities to the Disaster Management Department within Greater Hyderabad. He has directed officials to implement structural changes and redistribute responsibilities accordingly. In a review meeting at the Secretariat on Monday evening, the Chief Minister discussed the reorganization with officials from Municipal Administration, HMDA, and Musi Development.
Expansion of disaster management responsibilities
Recognizing the geographic expansion of Hyderabad, the Chief Minister ordered the Disaster Management Department to extend its jurisdiction to the Outer Ring Road. He suggested including GHMC, 27 surrounding municipalities and corporations, and 33 gram panchayats within its service area. The department will be renamed the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring Protection (HYDRA). The Chief Minister proposed appointing a DIG-level officer as the director and SP-level officers as additional directors. He also recommended special teams from GHMC, HMDA, the Water Board, city traffic, and other departments to join this new division.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need for the Disaster Management Department to offer continuous services to city residents, not just during floods or emergencies. HYDRA should actively address all issues faced by Hyderabad’s citizens, including preserving the city’s tanks and ponds, protecting government properties from encroachments, and managing hoardings and flex banners. Additionally, HYDRA will oversee water pipelines, electricity supply lines, drainage, flood management, and traffic control.
Focus on heritage and infrastructure projects
Chief Minister Reddy directed the acceleration of the Musi River Development Project, aiming to elevate Hyderabad’s international reputation. He stressed the importance of working towards the government’s goal of transforming this project into a landmark. He also ordered officials to take necessary actions to restore historical buildings and structures within the city. The GHMC presented a PowerPoint on various heritage sites, such as the City Library, Charminar Ayurvedic Hospital, and Nizamia Observatory etc. The Chief Minister encouraged exploring ways to develop these sites for tourism and integrating feasible ones into the Musi River Development Project.
The Chief Minister instructed Chief Secretary Shantikumar to draft a comprehensive reorganization plan, including staffing, duties, and budget allocations for HYDRA. He also emphasized identifying key areas where the Disaster Management Department can enhance its operations.
The meeting included Chief Secretary Shantikumar, Principal Secretary of Municipal Administration and Urban Development Danakishore, GHMC Commissioner Amrapali, GHMC Vigilance Disaster Management Commissioner A.V. Ranganath, and Hyderabad Water Board MD Ashok Reddy.
