CS reviews road widening work for Metro Rail in Old City

Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao inspecting the ongoing road widening works in the Old City Metro Rail corridor on Sunday.

Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao on Sunday inspected the ongoing road widening works from Darul Shifa to Shalibanda Junction in the Old City Metro Rail corridor and noted the progress made in the area that was neglected for over a decade. Hyderabad Airport Metro Limited (HAML) Managing Director N.V.S. Reddy briefed Mr. Rao about the affected properties along the 7.5-kilometre Metro stretch from MGBS to Chandrayangutta.

Mr. Reddy said that around 105 religious, historical, and sensitive structures exist in the corridor, and utmost care was being taken to ensure they remained unharmed. He also explained the careful handling of the relocation of intertwined electrical, telephone, and cable TV lines to avoid disruptions.

Despite congested roads, the demolition was proceeding systematically minimising inconvenience to the public by removing rear sections of buildings during daytime and road-facing structures with machinery during night. Local stakeholders were consulted beforehand for ensuring smooth cooperation, Mr. Reddy added.

Mr. Rao commended the HAML for effectively addressing challenges while progressing with the expansion and promised quick release of funds to accelerate work. He directed them to ensure safe demolition and debris clearance, preventing any untoward incidents.

HAML MD also informed the CS about the final touches being given to the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for Phase-2 (Part B) of Hyderabad Metro Rail, including JBS–Medchal (24.5 km), JBS–Shamirpet (22 km), and Shamshabad–Future City (40 km) corridors as directed by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy.

Mr. Rao said these proposals would be reviewed in an upcoming HAML Board meeting, followed by government approval, before submission to the Centre Municipal Administration Secretary K. Ilambarthi.

GHMC Commissioner R.V. Karnan, HMDA Commissioner Sarfaraz Ahmed, HMWSSB MD Ashok Reddy, and others were present.