Waiting at the gates: Gautamnagar’s long struggle for a rail underpass

Malkajgiri, a bustling suburb of Hyderabad, is plagued by frequent train delays and traffic snarls due to the absence of a rail underpass at Gautamnagar. This level crossing remains closed for up to an hour during peak hours, causing inconvenience to commuters and emergency services alike. The area is served by Malkajgiri and Dayanandnagar stations, with more services being provided at Dayanandnagar, exacerbating the issue.

Despite the construction of RUBs and ROBs in other parts of the city, Gautamnagar commuters have been forced to take detours, leading to delays and congestion. Zonal Railway Users' Consultative Committee (ZRUCC) member Noor Ahmed Ali has proposed a Limited Height Subway (LHS) to address the issue, which has remained pending for years due to land acquisition challenges and opposition from local authorities.

South Central Railway officials acknowledge the need for such crossings but highlight the lack of coordination between municipal and railway authorities as a major hurdle. A recent RTI reply reveals that only 51% of the 211 ROB/RUB projects across Telangana have been completed, with the remaining facing delays due to land acquisition, funding, design finalisation, and inter-departmental coordination.

The Telangana government's withdrawal of cost-sharing consent in May 2024 has further complicated matters, leaving the railways to bear the entire cost of these projects. However, there is hope for Gautamnagar residents as work on the proposed RUB is expected to commence soon, with design approval obtained and the tendering process underway.