Hyderabad: Irrigation and civil supplies minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy on Sunday said that plans are underway to lay a railway line connecting Mellacheruvu in Suryapet district with Hyderabad. He emphasised the importance of the proposed railway connectivity for the rapidly expanding industrial zone in Suryapet district.Addressing the media after participating in special prayers at the historic Sri Ishta Kameswari Sametha Swayambhu Shambulingeshwara Swamy temple in Mellacheruvu on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri, the minister highlighted the temple’s growing prominence. He said better infrastructure was needed to accommodate the rising influx of devotees from across the state.Uttam said the railway connectivity proposal was high on his agenda and that he had been coordinating with concerned agencies and authorities to make the project a reality. He added that the plans include a double railway line from Mellacheruvu to Hyderabad, along with passenger train services aimed at improving accessibility for locals and pilgrims from other places.The minister said he had earlier made efforts to secure railway connectivity by engaging with the Centre. The rail project would further strengthen industrial growth and ease travel, he said, and underlined his three-decade association with Mellacheruvu, during which he claimed he had played a key role in transforming the town into a hub of development.“Bringing Krishna river water for irrigation and drinking purposes to Mellacheruvu and surrounding villages remains one of my most satisfying achievements,” he said. Uttam added that the Congress govt-led by chief minister A Revanth Reddy, had sanctioned Rs 1 crore this year for Maha Shivaratri festivities and temple development to provide essential facilities for the growing number of pilgrims.
