Title - Facelift for Kacheguda station irks heritage lovers

Heritage lovers in the city are upset with the South Central Railway (SCR) for taking up new constructions attached to the Kacheguda railway station building, which is a heritage structure.SCR authorities are taking up new constructions to improve passenger facilities, expand circulating area and establish ticket counters on the station premises. In addition to these works, authorities are repairing the damaged sunshade attached to the portico of the main entrance.However, heritage lovers are against the construction works that are being taken up on either side of the station building.It is a heritage structure and authorities need to preserve its history and architecture. Though SCR is the custodian of the structure, it cannot construct new structures attached to the station building. Any heritage structure should not be touched, explains P. Anuradha Reddy, convenor of Intach, Hyderabad chapter.It is not the first time. Last year SCR authorities had demolished the sunshade of the main portico in the name of repairing the roof. Despite not obtaining approval from the Archaeology Department, they claimed to have got the permission, says Ms. Reddy.“Interestingly, SCR has got an exclusive Heritage cell to maintain heritage structures,” says Ms. Reddy.SCR authorities informed that repairs were being taken up in the station master room, in which the ceiling got damaged and water was seeping in through the roof. This apart, works pertaining to the colouring the entire building was also being taken up. All these works, which are being taken up with a cost of Rs.2.5 crore, would be completed by March 2013, says SCR spokesperson.