HYDERABAD: Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu announced here on Monday that railways will explore the possibility of providing train connectivity to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at Shamshabad in Hyderabad from Umdanagar near Hyderabad through an underground network.

Suresh Prabhu said study of the project will be assigned to Rail India Technical and Economic Services.

Meanwhile, he added saying that feasibility study of the project will be assigned to Rail India Technical and Economic Services (RITES).

He was speaking at an event organised at Secunderabad station after flagging off two passenger trains and a weekly Cargo Express Service of Container Corporation of India (Concor).

Extension of Multi Modal Transport System (MMTS or suburban network) connectivity to Shamshabad Airport from Umdanagar (on city’s outskirts) through underground connectivity can it be taken up, Mr Prabhu said.

RITES has been asked to submit a report in this regard, the Minister said.

Mr Prabhu said,

“Telangana is the youngest state of the country and there is a need to provide it more help. As announced in this year’s Rail Budget, Railways will set up two new world-class greenfield terminals at Cherlapalli and Nagulapalli in Hyderabad in a time-bound manner with cooperation of the state government.”

Earlier, Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment Bandaru Dattatreya appreciated Prabhu’s efforts to develop rail infrastructure in Telangana.

TS Deputy CM Mahmood Ali (from left), Union ministers Bandaru Dattatreya and TS BJP chief K. Laxman jointly inaugurate trains via video link in the city.

The Lok Sabha MP from Secunderabad also requested Mr Prabhu to provide rail connectivity to Shamshabad Airport (officially named after ex-PM Rajiv Gandhi).

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Hansraj Ahir said the Centre is working hand in hand with the States for progress of the nation under the slogan ‘Sab Ka Saath Sab Ka Vikas’ (together with all, development for all).