South Central Railway faces infrastructure and sanitation scrutiny in Telangana

A recent audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has revealed significant deficiencies in passenger amenities and sanitation across several South Central Railway (SCR) stations in Telangana. The audit, which covered 512 non-suburban stations nationwide, found that 89 percent of stations failed to meet minimum essential amenity requirements established in 2018.

In Hyderabad, Nampally station was flagged for shortages in drinking water taps, urinals, and signage. Notably, a water sample from a cooler at Nampally tested positive for E. coli. Secunderabad and Kacheguda stations also failed to meet full amenity norms, with Secunderabad specifically noted for lacking sufficient water coolers, dustbins, and signage despite its high revenue and footfall.

Separately, Telangana Members of Parliament met with SCR officials to address long-standing infrastructure demands. MPs raised concerns regarding the slow implementation of sanctioned projects, with some alleging that certain constituencies face delays in project commencement despite approved funding. Key demands included the establishment of a railway station at Bhadrachalam and the resolution of pending railway works across the state.