HYDERABAD — In a major boost to urban transit and freight logistics, Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) has officially completed and commissioned the 2.2 km Sitafalmandi–Lallaguda Chord Line Project.
Executed by RVNL’s Secunderabad Project Implementation Unit (PIU), the newly laid corridor forms a vital part of the Multi Modal Transport System (MMTS) Phase-II upgrades under the South Central Railway (SCR) zone. The link systematically eliminates a long-standing operational bottleneck that has historically choked passenger and freight movements through the twin cities.
🛠️ Engineering Scope and Yard Remodeling
Constructing the chord line within one of Telangana’s densest and busiest rail corridors required high-precision engineering and minimal disruption to daily traffic. The structural overhaul involved:
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Line Integration: Laying 2.2 kilometres of new track seamlessly connecting the Lallaguda Yard, Sitafalmandi ‘A’ Cabin, and Sitafalmandi ‘B’ Cabin.
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Track Layout Realignment: Installing 19 new points and crossings while decommissioning five redundant ones to streamline incoming and outgoing train paths.
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Signalling Overhaul: Upgrading advanced electronic interlocking and signalling systems to guarantee higher safety parameters and faster route clearance.
🚄 Strategic Benefits and Route Optimization
The commissioning follows a stringent safety clearance issued by Ms. Madhavi, Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), South Central Circle, who successfully led high-speed trial runs on July 2, 2026.
The chord line alters regional rail dynamics through several immediate benefits:
| Feature | Before Project | After Project Impact |
| Routing Efficiency | Trains forced through a circular detour via Malkajgiri. | Direct line connection bypassing Malkajgiri entirely. |
| Secunderabad Junction Load | Severe congestion at main platforms due to intersecting routes. | Traffic diverted externally, reducing main station layout pressure. |
| Inter-City Connectivity | Delayed links between north, south, and eastern zones. | Shorter transit times between Kazipet, Nizamabad, and Bengaluru (via Kacheguda). |
“The successful completion of the Sitafalmandi–Lallaguda Chord Line Project reflects RVNL’s commitment to delivering complex infrastructure that directly aids India’s rail capacity,” stated Shri Saleem Ahmad, Chairman and Managing Director of RVNL, emphasizing that the project brings long-term operational value to both daily commuters and heavy freight movement.
