Centre considering Regional Railway Ring Road to complement RRR: Telangana BJP chief Rao

Hyderabad: Telangana BJP president N. Ramchander Rao on Wednesday assured the state’s industrial community that he would act as a bridge between them and the Centre to resolve policy and operational challenges faced by businesses.

First public interaction as State BJP President

Addressing over 300 industrialists at a special interactive meeting organised by the Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI), Rao said, “I will be the bridge between Telangana industry and the Union Government.” This was his first non-political public interaction after assuming charge as the BJP’s Telangana unit president.

Call for inclusive Industrial Growth

Themed “Roadmap for Inclusive Industrial Growth in Telangana” with a focus on MSMEs, the session served as a platform for direct dialogue between industry leaders and political leadership.

Rao emphasised that industries, whether large or small, are nation builders. “They generate employment, produce goods and services, pay taxes, and create wealth,” he noted.

Policy, Governance, and Global Indian Success

Highlighting the global success of Indians, the BJP chief said, “Indians thrive abroad but not always in India due to policy and governance gaps. However, under the NDA regime over the past 11 years, India has witnessed significant progress in MSME growth and skill development.”

He termed the creation of a dedicated Ministry for Skill Development as a landmark initiative.

Decentralisation of Industrial Development

On Telangana’s industrial landscape, Rao stressed the need for decentralisation. “Development is concentrated in and around Hyderabad. Tier-II and Tier-III cities must also grow for inclusive development.”

He revealed that the Railway Ministry is considering a Regional Railway Ring Road to complement the proposed Regional Ring Road (RRR), aiming to create new connectivity corridors for industry.

Shift from Job seekers to Job creators

Encouraging youth to shift from a job-seeking mindset to becoming job creators, Rao said, healthy competition among states and companies would drive economic growth.

He asserted that the Union Government does not discriminate based on ideology and cited initiatives like UPI as examples of national transformation.

FTCCI leaders highlight Industry Challenges

Welcoming the gathering, FTCCI President R. Ravi Kumar noted it was the first time a state party president addressed their members. “Continuous engagement between industry and political leaders is essential for progressive governance,” he said.

FTCCI Industrial Development Committee Chairman Srinivas Gabriella flagged concerns about the concentration of development in just five districts around Hyderabad and urged the promotion of local sourcing and women’s employment.

Former CII President Shekhar Reddy stated that India has the potential to outcompete China, but pending concerns such as GST and Stamp Duty need resolution.

Telangana Industrialists Federation President K. Sudhir Reddy highlighted the absence of mega industries in the state over the past 16–17 years, noting that MSMEs thrive when large industries co-exist.