Safilguda Residents Frustrated as Railway Level Crossing Remains Closed for 6 Months

Hyderabad: Even as the Indian Railways was observing the International Level Crossing Awareness Day on Thursday, residents of Safilguda, Vinayaknagar, Old Safilguda, Kakatiyanagar, Neredmet and Anandbagh were complaining against railway authorities and not without reason.

The Safilguda railway level crossing has been closed since December. A notice was put up saying it would be reopened in February on the completion of repairs. Six months later, it still remains shut.

“We approached the higher authorities and urged them to complete the works soon. We have come to know that the platform at Safilguda railway station is being expanded. This level crossing will be closed permanently,” said V.T. Srinivasan, Federation of RWA, Greater Hyderabad.

Moreover, the approach roads leading up to the gate have been dug up and rendered useless. This level crossing is the shortest route connecting them to Secunderabad, many locals pointed out.

The closure has forced thousands of daily users to take a detour via the RK Nagar underpass that is over two kilometres away, which is impacting fuel consumption and travel time.

“I work in Madhapur. Each day I end up travelling six extra kilometres because of the level crossing’s closure. This has been even more painful given the intense summer heat that we had to bear. The railway authorities should realise that thousands of lives are being pushed into difficulties because of SCR lethargy,” said Anil Kochera, Balramnagar, Safilguda.

They wonder how for an institution that completes major projects within a fixed period, this particular work has been ignored.