Though both the Telugu states may have grievances of not getting sufficient allocations in the Union Budget for them under various heads, but they are happy for getting increased allocations for railways, higher than last two years. .
Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, during his budget speech allocated Rs. 1,729 crore for Telangana, which is completely served by South Central Railway (SCR), for the financial year 2017-18 against the last two years average of Rs. 601 crore. Similarly, Andhra Pradesh, which is mainly served by SCR, has been given Rs. 3,406 crore against the last two years average of Rs. 2,195.7 crore.
For the year 2017-18, the total capital and development expenditure for Railways has been fixed at Rs. 1,31,000 Crores. This includes, Rs. 55,000 Crores provided by the government from the budget.
According to SCR General Manager Vinod Kumar Yadav in his circle as on date there are 355 Unmanned Level Crossings (UMLCs). A total of 170 UMLCs will be eliminated in the current financial year and balance 185 UMLCs will be eliminated in the coming years. Besides, 267.25 kms of new track was laid which includes 230.55 kms of new line, 12.45 kms of double line and 24.3 kms of third line.
To launch dedicated trains for tourists and pilgrims, SCR has entered Joint Venture with Government of Andhra Pradesh and is in the process of signing the JV with Government of Telangana. In SCR, 37 stations are envisaged for Station redevelopment. Secunderabad and Vijayawada are targeted for taking up during 2017-18.
To made Differently-Abled friendly with lifts and escalators, the SCR had provided 36 lifts at 15 stations and further planned to provide 34 lifts at 20 stations. 39 escalators are provided at 14 stations with further plans to provide 16 escalators at 11 stations.
During 2016-17, 645 kWp capacity of Solar panels have been installed at stations/service buildings/pumps/PRS/UTS/LC gates/street lights (cumulative 1961 kWp) smf 4,138 Bio-toilets have been fixed in 1,115 coaches. About 3000 Bio-toilets are targeted for fitment in the balance coaches in 2017-18. With this all the coaches of SCR will be provided with this facility to ensure Swachh Bharat.
