HMR perplexed over change of route

Authorities unsure whether or not to proceed with the existing design as they have not received any written order from the government on realignment

Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Metro Rail authorities are in a state of confusion over the realignment of route at certain places including Assembly, Sultan Bazaar and the Old City.

Despite repeated objections raised by Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on the present route, the Telangana government, according to sources, did not convey its stand on the issue to the HMR authorities. The government could not take a decision despite holding all-party meeting twice. Amid this confusion, the HMR authorities are unable to decide whether or not to proceed with the existing design of the Metro Rail project.

The HMRL is expecting an increase in cost by nearly Rs 3,000 crore if the present alignment is changed. Further, the changes are likely to cause heavy revenue loss to the L&T HMRL as it would have to drop a few stations from the list. It includes stations at Assembly, Sultan Bazaar and the entire route in the Old City, although they would be replaced with other stations.

The State government, according to sources, is willing to compensate only about Rs 1,000 crore. The HMR authorities want to negotiate the issue with the government only after receipt of some written orders.

Political parties are divided over the issue. While the Congress wants no changes in the alignment of route, the TDP and BJP want the HMR to go ahead with the original route in the Old City. The MIM is strongly demanding complete change in the alignment in the Old City in order to prevent relocation of about 40 places of worship, including seven heritage structures, and about 1,200 private properties.

Meanwhile, the HMR authorities have reportedly decided to focus on the completion of works in other areas which are presently not under dispute.