Kishan Reddy hails commissioning of Sitaphalmandi–Lallaguda chord line
Synopsis
South Central Railway has commissioned the Sitaphalmandi–Lallaguda chord line under MMTS Phase II, a 3-km stretch that cuts the Kazipet–Kacheguda distance by 12 km and travel time by 20 minutes, easing pressure on Secunderabad station. Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy hailed the milestone for Telangana's rail network.
Key Takeaways
The Sitaphalmandi–Lallaguda chord line , a 3-km stretch under MMTS Phase II , has been commissioned by South Central Railway .
The line comprises 1.8 km between Lallaguda and Sitaphalmandi 'B' cabin and a further 1 km to 'A' cabin .
Trains from Kazipet can now reach Kacheguda directly via Lallaguda , reducing the route distance by approximately 12 km .
Travel time on the corridor is cut by around 20 minutes compared with the earlier route via Moula Ali and Malkajgiri .
The project is designed to ease congestion at Secunderabad , one of South Central Railway's busiest junctions.
Kishan Reddy described the commissioning as 'a proud step forward for Telangana's rail infrastructure.'
Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy on Sunday, 19 July 2026, welcomed the commissioning of the Sitaphalmandi–Lallaguda chord line by South Central Railway, calling it a proud step forward for Telangana's rail infrastructure. The new 3-km stretch, developed under MMTS Phase II, is designed to ease congestion at the busy Secunderabad station and cut travel time between key junctions by approximately 20 minutes.
Context
In his post, Kishan Reddy described the chord line as comprising 1.8 km between Lallaguda and Sitaphalmandi 'B' cabin, plus an additional 1 km to 'A' cabin. The line enables trains from Kazipet to reach Kacheguda directly via Lallaguda, bypassing the earlier route through Moula Ali and Malkajgiri. The new alignment reduces the distance by roughly 12 km, bringing it down from the earlier 15-km route.
The minister, who also serves as BJP Telangana state president, framed the development as a milestone for the state's urban rail network, underlining his consistent advocacy for post-bifurcation rail upgrades in the region.
Policy Backdrop
The Multi-Modal Transport System (MMTS) was first commissioned in 2003 to create suburban rail loops around Hyderabad. Phase II extended that vision with new chord lines and bypass works aimed at decongesting major stations, including Secunderabad, which serves as the divisional headquarters of South Central Railway.
Following Telangana's formation as a separate state in 2014, successive Railway Budgets allocated dedicated funds for doubling and third-line works across the zone. Chord-line projects of this nature — combining central funding with zonal execution — have become a standard tool for delivering measurable time and distance savings in metropolitan rail networks, a pattern also visible in Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru.
Stakeholders and Impact
The primary beneficiaries are daily rail commuters and intercity passengers travelling between Kazipet and Kacheguda, who will now avoid the longer loop through Moula Ali and Malkajgiri. Freight operators using the corridor also stand to gain from reduced transit times and improved line capacity.
For Secunderabad station, the diversion of through-traffic onto the new chord line is expected to reduce platform congestion and improve punctuality for long-distance services that currently compete for the same tracks as suburban trains.
What's Next
Several sections of MMTS Phase II remain to be commissioned, and the completion of those stretches will determine the full extent of suburban rail improvement across the Hyderabad metropolitan area. The project is likely to feature in parliamentary discussions during the monsoon session, with potential questions on timelines and budget utilisation.
The inclusion of further Telangana rail works in the next Railway Budget will be closely watched by state legislators and urban planners seeking to close infrastructure gaps that have persisted since bifurcation.
Point of View
Which has faced repeated delays since its conception in the 12th Five Year Plan period. G. Kishan Reddy's public welcome of the development — despite coal and mines being his primary portfolio — signals the BJP's intent to claim credit for rail infrastructure gains in Telangana ahead of future electoral cycles. The project fits a broader national pattern of using short chord lines to decongest legacy metropolitan junctions without the cost and complexity of new greenfield corridors. Whether the remaining MMTS Phase II sections follow in quick succession will test the political momentum generated by this commissioning.
NationPress
19 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sitaphalmandi–Lallaguda chord line?
The Sitaphalmandi–Lallaguda chord line is a new 3-km rail stretch commissioned by South Central Railway under MMTS Phase II in Hyderabad, connecting Lallaguda to Sitaphalmandi to allow trains to bypass Secunderabad station.
How much time does the new chord line save for passengers?
The new chord line cuts travel time by approximately 20 minutes on the Kazipet–Kacheguda corridor by reducing the route distance by about 12 km , avoiding the earlier loop via Moula Ali and Malkajgiri.
What is MMTS Phase II?
MMTS Phase II is an expansion of Hyderabad's Multi-Modal Transport System , originally launched in 2003 , aimed at adding new chord lines and suburban rail links to improve urban connectivity and decongest key stations like Secunderabad.
Why is Secunderabad station being decongested?
Secunderabad is South Central Railway's divisional headquarters and one of its busiest junctions, handling both long-distance and suburban traffic. New chord lines like the Sitaphalmandi–Lallaguda route divert through-traffic, freeing platform capacity and improving punctuality.
What role does G. Kishan Reddy play in Telangana rail projects?
G. Kishan Reddy is the Union Minister of Coal and Mines and BJP Telangana state president . While rail infrastructure falls under the Railway Ministry, he has consistently advocated for post-bifurcation upgrades to South Central Railway 's network in Telangana.
