The chord line provides a direct link between the Secunderabad-Kazipet and Secunderabad-Dhone routes, bypassing the congested Secunderabad Railway Station. This alternative route reduces the distance trains travel from Kazipet to Kacheguda by approximately 12 km.
Previously, trains from Kazipet heading towards Kacheguda had to detour nearly 15 km via Moula Ali and Malkajgiri stations. With the new chord line, trains can now travel directly through Lallaguda and Sitaphalmandi without stopping at Secunderabad or Malkajgiri, significantly cutting travel time.
The infrastructure development over the past two years includes the construction of five minor bridges, a major road-over-bridge at Alugadda Bhavi junction between Rail Nilayam and Mettuguda Road, and installation of an automatic signalling system.
The link starts at Lallaguda, proceeds through Sitaphalmandi ‘A’ and ‘B’ cabins, and connects to Sitaphalmandi station. It forms part of the MMTS Phase II project, which also involves doubling and electrification of the railway lines between Sitaphalmandi and Lallaguda. This corridor includes a 1.8-km double-line section between Lallaguda and Sitaphalmandi ‘B’ cabin and a 1-km extension to Sitaphalmandi ‘A’ cabin.
Further connectivity improvements include ongoing doubling and electrification works between Sitaphalmandi and Moula Ali. While work between Sitaphalmandi and Malkajgiri is in progress, construction between Malkajgiri and Moula Ali has yet to begin.
These projects aim to enhance connectivity for trains heading towards Kazipet, Nizamabad, and Bengaluru by allowing greater operational flexibility and smoother train movements. The new chord line especially benefits Bengaluru-bound trains, AP Sampark Kranti Express, and Nanded trains by eliminating the need for engine-reversal shunting at key stations.
However, railway officials noted that increased MMTS services are unlikely in the immediate future due to pending solutions for line crossing issues at Lallaguda station.
