SCR seeks CM intervention for MMTS airport connectivity

The MMTS Phase II is on schedule and the progress satisfactory but what we need is high level political intervention to see that the MMTS could be extended right up to the Shamshabad international airport said the South Central Railway (SCR) General Manager PK Srivastava soon after launching ‘RISSTA’ a security App for MMTS travellers at Lingampally railway station here on Thursday.

A Gandhi, MLA, Serilingampally and N Ramchander Rao, MLC too were present on the occasion. A Gandhi, MLA stated that Lingampalli Railway Station caters to 20 lakh people. N Ramchander Rao, MLC sought the connectivity of MMTS to cover more areas including the airport.

The SCR is celebrating ‘Passenger and Customer Facilitation Fortnight’ and as part of the celebrations, the SCR inaugurated the re-modelled Lingampally Railway station. The general manager along with senior officials travelled from Secunderabad to Lingampally and interacted with passengers on the train. The MMTS completes 12 years of service in the twin cities.

New lease for Lingampally station

From cover over platform and Foot Over Bridge (FOB) to two new Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVM) , an additional catering stall, glow sign boards and benches on the lines of bus type shelters give the Lingampally station a whole new look. Lakshmi, a regular traveller says, “The station has really got a makeover and is now more spacious.” The circulating area has been widened and an auto parking bay has been constructed.

New booking office, general waiting hall, upper class waiting hall, ladies waiting hall, pay and use toilet have been constructed. The flooring on platform No 1 and concourse have been improved informed a railway official.

The station has been remodelled at a cost of Rs 2.5 crore and works pertaining to provision of an additional FOB, electrical works and other amenities at the cost of Rs 2.69 crore are in progress. The proposed second FOB that would connect platform number 2/3 to 6 is estimated at Rs 2 crore.

Security App ‘RISSTA’ launched

Four simple steps to security for MMTS travellers is what the App RISSTA claims. Railway Interactive Security Solution for Travellers Assistance (RISSTA) could come to the rescue of passengers in distress by just pressing a button and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) / Home Guards would be at the beck and call at the upcoming stations. What is more, if the problem is not addressed after 8 minutes the location would be updated again.

The special feature of RISSTA App is that there is no need for internet or GPS to locate the passenger and it provides the travelling direction for quicker response. Developed by Vikas for SCR, the App is simple to use.

How RISSTA works

Step 1: Press HELP button on RISSTA App

Step 2: Railway Protection Force (RPF) Contreol Room receives the SMS

Step 3: RPF Control Room alerts security staff of the train in which the distressed passenger is travelling of next station

Step 4: Train and security staff attend to the problem