Hyderabad: The demand for the creation of a separate Kazipet railway division is growing louder among railway employees, unions and local public representatives, even as the new railway zones are set to become operational from next week.Public representatives point out that Kazipet Junction, with a history of over 130 years, already has the operational importance and infrastructure required for a divisional headquarters. Strategically located on major trunk routes, the junction serves as a crucial rail link connecting southern states with Delhi, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh.“Multiple representations have already been submitted to the Railway minister and the general manager seeking divisional status for Kazipet, considering its strategic location connecting north and south India. We have also requested the chief minister to take up the issue with the Centre. Though railway authorities maintain that sufficient allocations worth nearly ₹1,000 crore have already been made for Warangal and that there is no immediate need for a separate division, we strongly believe a Kazipet division is essential for creating employment opportunities,” said Warangal MP Kadiyam Kavya.To decentralise operations, employees are demanding that Railways carve out a new division with Kazipet as its headquarters by bringing the Ramagundam–Balharshah and Warangal–Khammam sections under its jurisdiction. Kazipet Junction is currently undergoing redevelopment works under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, with an allocation of ₹25 crore.The demand has also gained momentum due to the upcoming Railway Manufacturing Unit (RMU) being developed in Kazipet. The facility, being constructed at an estimated cost of ₹700 crore, is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
