Development plans hit as TTD yet to hand over land

Tirupati: The proposal to develop the Tirupati railway station as a model one is getting delayed as the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) had failed to hand over 0.62 acres of land officially to the Indian Railways.

The railway station here was included in the list of 10 cities to be developed as smart stations. In this regard, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed recently between the Ministries of Urban Development and Railways.

The five platforms in the Tirupati railway station are very congested to cater to the needs of 50,000 plus passengers commuting every day from the station. Around 90 trains including passenger, express and goods trains pass through the railway station on a daily basis.

The station fetches an average income of Rs 33 lakh per day through the sale of tickets and parcel bookings for the Indian Railways. The main requirement now before the railway authorities is to build another platform on the south side of station for which land issue has been pending for several years. The railway officials have already acquired private land of 1.83 acres by paying the entire amount of Rs 28 crore.

The Railways need another 0.62 acres of land from the TTD for this purpose. But, it seems the TTD gave its nod orally to proceed with the works even before the other formalities are completed.

As there was a case pending in the High Court of Hyderabad which prevents endowment lands being allotted to other purposes, the TTD has to obtain approval from the court.

This is getting delayed. Though the TTD has to come forward generously in extending full cooperation for the all-round development of Tirupati railway station but they are not moving fast.

The issue of handing over 0.62 acres land to railway authorities has been pending for many years. Around 90 per cent of passengers visit the temple city only to go to Tirumala.

Speaking to The Hans India,
Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Amitabh Ozha said that once they get the land, works will go in full swing. He said that the TTD and the State government have agreed to give that land.

“On our part we have acquired the land by paying the compensation with the help of the district authorities,” the DRM said. If the TTD hands over the land to railways, it is proposed to give a facelift for the south side of railway station.

Existing foot over-bridge will be extended till the end of the new platform. The present booking office has to be dismantled and shifted to some other place. Passengers will have good circulating area, ample space for car parking, landscapes, new approach roads, waiting halls and other public amenities.

There is no scope to extend further on northern side since they do not have any space before the station complex and any development works in future are to be planned on the southern side only.

Accordingly, it is proposed to shift the pit lines from the existing place to West railway station and upcoming Tiruchanur railway station. The main objective of the authorities is to reduce the traffic in Tirupati railway station. For this, it was proposed to develop Tiruchanur station and Rs 6 crore was allocated in
2017-18 budget.

Similarly, the running room and Integrated Overhauling Shed (IOH) will be shifted to West station. Already, works to lay 3 stabling lines near Tirupati station were progressing which enables to keep the empty racks.

Works are undergoing to build a new building for RPF and parcel office as the first platform was extended to facilitate 24 coaches.