It is clear that the governments of erstwhile AP and the Centre (both being corrupt) had ulterior motives in calling for this Metro Rail Project. It is like getting a bridegroom to marry an unwelcome bride through UNSCRUPULOUS Dowry Offerings. Since the Metro Rail Project, like any other public transport system any where in the world, is not financially viable as a profit generating business (on its own) the politicians and real estate grabbing sharks and the State and Central governments concocted an unviable SCHEME. As part of this "what's in it for me" Scheme, 269 acres of prime land along the proposed rail line was to be thrown in as a sweetener to the fina bidder. The idea was that all the commercial development on this land was going to generate enough capital and profit for the contractor so the metro rail project can be built.

As usual, the Seemandhra Mafia chose one of its own to take up this project. Originally, GVK qualified on technical design but opted out of submitting final financial bid because it did not think it was a financially profitable venture even though the central government was going to thrown in 10% of the cost as "funding gap" (grant). Naturally, the next one in line was Satyam's Maytascompany which was the real estate division of Ramalinga Raju's Satyam Computers. Even though Maytas had no prior experience in constructing and operating such a large public infrastructure project (Rs 12,100 crores) the corrupt political establishment of Seemandhra (TDP and Congress as well as our own T sell-outs) gave the project to Raju. ANd why did Raju want the project. Well, Raju was on his greedy land grabbing venture alread with his Maytas.venture and this was going to be another feather in his hat. Of course, Greed has its own pitfalls just as it has its own windfalls of profits. Well, everyone knows what happened to Maytas, Satyam and Raju. The Metro Rail Project got nowhere.

Back again to square one but the greedy politicians of all stripes and both governments called for another bidding on the project. This time, L&T was interested in taking up this project and so entered the fray. Being the largest infrastructure construction company in India, it had no difficulty qualifying as the final bidder. L&T knew well, with all its wide and large experience over decades, the risks it was taking. Nothing really changed except that the Congress and TDP are out of power in Telangana State as well as at the Centre. Whatever problems L&T faced regarding Right-OF-Way (ROW) permissions and sanctions were with the old Congress led government (in erstwhile AP). Telangana government is NOT the trouble maker as the Seemandhra Media (Andhra Jyothy) is trumpeting. Yes, KCR is asking for re-alignment of the rail track (Sultan Bazaar and Legislative Assembly routes) but al that costs only Rs 250 crores. After all, the project started at Rs 12,100 initial estimate then escalated to Rs 14,300 crores even before construction began and is now estimated to cross Rs 17,000 crores by the time it is completed. So, the cost has already gone up by almost 40% in just two years (by Rs 5000 crores) and for no mistake of of TS government or KCR. Then, what is 250 crore additional cost? It is a pittance, isn't it?

Then why such a sudden outburst on the part of L&T's CEO, Mr Gadgil? Why did he threaten KCR and TS that L&T wants to withdraw from the project?

It is entirely unjustified and unethical on the part of L&T's CEO Gadgil to demonstrate his displeasure and hateful views of Telangana State and Hyderabad. Mr Gadgil openly admitted that he (and so L&T) was against the formation of Telangana State and worse that he at least wanted Hyderabad to be a Union Territory. Even much worse is that Gadgil spewed his venom by claiming that Hyderabad and Telangana State are much less desirable for investments and Growth and especially making the Metro rail Project less than profitable. His claim is that the 269 acre prime commercial land award isn't worth as much as previosuly estimated.

Let us examine Gadgils's ill-advised and very foolish, if not stupid, outbursts.

Hyderabad's economic and financial status as well as its Brand Status have not diminished at all. To the contrary, they have the potential to be much greater because of the better governance expected and anticipated. The ticket revenue generated will be no less than estimated because after all the Metro rail will get more than estimated passenger count if its is operated well. It should be borne in mind that the Metro Rail will not be able to carry all the passengers who want to travel on its routes. The population of Hyderabad city will only grow. And the commercial value of the 269 acres granted to L&T will only increase as time goes by - guaranteed.

Then what exactly is the reason for Gadgil's (and L&T's) rue? There is a lot in what is not said or cannot be said by Gadgil than what is in his letter to TS government.

My suspicion is that some unlettered and undeclared (publicly) concessions promised or expected from the corrupt governments of AP and Centre are now unrealizable because of TS government and BJP at the Centre. In other words, considerable additional benefits promised to L&T are lost now and therefore, the present Metro Project is less desirable.

It may well be from the point of view of L&T. And it is even guaranteed that L&T has bought enmity with TS government and KCR through Gadgil's stupidity. Thus, the current situation for L&T is even worse than it was before.

So, is it advisable or even beneficial for L&T to abandon the prestigious Metro Project? Certainly Not because, L&T will be disqualifying itself from winning any future public infrastructure projects not only in Telangana State but also in India and even in the rest of the World. It would be the most foolish step for L&T to wiggle out of this project, maybe even suicidal.

What about Telangana State? It is a temporary setback but it is not a disaster. The Metro Project encompasses 156 Km track to be built in Two Phases. Phase One has 71 Km track in Six Stages:

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyderabad_Metro_Rail)

• Miyapur – L B Nagar - 29.87 km

• Nagole - Shilparamama - 26.51 km

• JBS – Falaknum - 14.78 km

Six Stage Construction Schedule[edit]

Stage	Target Section	Distance (in km)	Line	Expected Completion date
Stage 1	Nagole to Mettuguda	8	Line III	March 2015
Stage 2	Miyapur to S R Nagar	11	Line I	August 15, 2015
Stage 3	Mettuguda to Begumpet	10	Line III	November 14, 2015
Stage 4	Begumpet to Shilparamam	9.51	Line III	August 15, 2016
Stage 5	SR Nagar to LB Nagar	17.87	Line I	August 15, 2016
Stage 6	JBS to Falaknuma	14.78	Line II	June 5, 2017

The first three stages are to be completed by November 2015 (or may be another six months delay). Let L&T complete stages 1 to 3 and then leave the project. Telangana State has little over a year to line up another international firm to take over the Project from L&T. After all, L&T was able to propose and receive the current project in just six months. There is no reason why TS government cannot qualify and award another company of better repute and a greater financial capability with no political game playing role. It can be done with proper planning and focus and determination.

In my opinion, L&T's offer to withdraw from the project should be accepted by the Telangana State government for many reasons. L&T has very serious drawback - its very negative view and approach to Hyderabad and Telangana State. L&T cannot be relied upon. A new contractor will be more amenable and easier to work with. And TS must not let L&T go unpunished. L&T deserves a proper treatment based on its arrogant and negative approach to the whole project. Such an action will also raise respect for Telangana as a State. It will also reflect positively on TS's ability to govern effectively.

Any delay or some escalation in costs can be and should be borne without further ado.