Hyderabad Old City Metro: Construction Work To Resume After Lok Sabha Polls

Following the recent foundation stone laying ceremony by Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, the pending 5.5-km Hyderabad Old City metro route from MGBS to Falaknuma is anticipated to move forward post Lok Sabha elections.

The 5.5 km metro alignment in the old city stretches from MGBS to Falaknuma, passing through Darulshifa junction, Purani Haveli, Ettebar Chowk, Alijakotla, Mir Momin Daira, Haribowli, Shalibanda, Shamsheergunj and Aliabad.

Originally planned as part of the 72-km phase-1 metro, the 5.5 km stretch on the green line connecting MGBS-Imlibun to Falaknuma has been delayed for several years.

Construction and operations for the remaining 67 km have been completed, but this particular corridor has not been taken up.

The initial plan was for the corridor to connect the Jubilee Bus Station in Secunderabad and Falaknuma, but it was halted at MGBS-Imlibun due to various reasons such as land acquisition issues and demands for a change in the route alignment.

The delay is attributed partly to incomplete land acquisition procedures, as Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMR) officials are still determining ownership of approximately 1,100 properties affected by proposed road widening for stations like Salarjung Museum, Charminar, Shalibanda and Falaknuma.

Although notices have been issued to property occupants, land ownership verification remains pending with the revenue authorities. With the model code of conduct in place, completion of this process is expected post-elections.

Metro rail officials have identified that about 2.5 km of the route does not necessitate extensive widening, whereas challenging tasks lie in widening roads from Darulshifa to Shahalibanda.

HMR managing director N V S Reddy mentioned, "We are striving to ascertain ownership through the Revenue department. Meanwhile, we are collaborating with our consultant to devise engineering solutions for religious and sensitive structures along the route," reports The Hindu.

Despite challenges, HMR aims to seamlessly integrate the new phase with the existing metro network, ensuring operational efficiency and connectivity. Plans include a reversal viaduct at Falaknuma, with potential extension up to Chandrayangutta for future development.

While possession of land near Falaknuma for depot usage is confirmed, decisions regarding its utilisation remain pending. Reddy also assures residents of improved infrastructure, including better footpaths, civic spaces, and ample parking, compared to the first phase of the project.

The Old City extension of metro connectivity was allocated Rs 500 crore by the state government in the 2022-23 budget.