Old City Metro inches towards take-off

Hyderabad: The Old City Metro Rail Project is moving closer to the construction stage, with officials aiming to secure the pending statutory clearances within the next two to three months. The 7.5-km corridor connecting MGBS and Chandrayangutta is undergoing preparatory works, including land acquisition and utility shifting, before tenders are invited for the construction contract.

As part of the land acquisition process, around 888 properties have been demolished, while compensation has been paid for more than 830 properties at approximately Rs. 82,000 per square yard. Acquisition and clearance formalities for the remaining 55 properties are yet to be completed. Some cases require additional permissions due to the age of the buildings and the involvement of archaeological authorities.

Meanwhile, utility-shifting works are progressing along the proposed alignment. The departments concerned are coordinating the relocation of electricity cables, water pipelines and other underground and overhead infrastructure to facilitate the construction of the metro corridor.

The project also requires permission from the Forest Department to remove trees obstructing the proposed alignment. Officials are working to obtain the necessary approvals while exploring the possibility of relocating and replanting trees wherever feasible.

Authorities are targeting the completion of pending clearances and preparatory activities within two to three months. Once the required permissions are obtained and preliminary works are completed, tenders will be invited for the construction contract, paving the way for civil works to begin.

A Special Grade Deputy Collector has been assigned responsibility for supervising land acquisition, with the Revenue Department coordinating the process and addressing the remaining acquisition-related issues.

Expediting land acquisition, utility shifting and statutory approvals remains the immediate priority for Hyderabad Metro Rail authorities. The timely completion of these formalities is expected to help the long-awaited Old City corridor advance towards implementation and bring the project closer to its construction phase.

The proposed corridor is an important addition to Hyderabad's metro network, aimed at improving connectivity to the Old City and easing travel for commuters. However, the commencement of major construction work will depend on the completion of the necessary clearances and the tendering process.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gouda Swiyachandra

Gouda Swiyachandra