In a move to enhance connectivity and address the evolving needs of Hyderabad, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has directed officials of the Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL) to expedite traffic studies and detailed project reports for a revised Airport Metro alignment via the Old City and from LB Nagar.
During a comprehensive review of Phase-II proposals for the Hyderabad Metro Rail, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy emphasised the need to put on hold the previous Airport Metro plan from Raidurg to Shamshabad Airport. The decision stems from the availability of a wide Outer Ring Road (ORR), rendering the earlier plan redundant.
Following a detailed presentation by HMRL Managing Director N V S Reddy, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy instructed officials to refine Phase-II proposals in collaboration with the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) Commissioner. The primary focus is on ensuring that expansion projects cater to major parts of the city and serve the maximum number of commuters.
To optimise costs, the Chief Minister suggested exploring the feasibility of laying a portion of the Metro in the Laxmiguda-Jalpally-Mamidipally stretch ‘At Grade’ (road level). This stretch benefits from a 40-feet wide median without obstructions.
Telangana’s Airport Metro project
In a bid to support part funding of the Airport Metro project and encourage development in the Old City and its surroundings, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy urged the HMDA Commissioner and CMO Principal Secretary to identify government land along the stretch for Transit Oriented Development.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the new alignment would result in shorter distances, cost savings, and improved connectivity across various parts of the city. He highlighted the importance of integrating Metro Rail into the Musi riverfront East-West corridor from Taramatipet to Narsingi, covering Nagole and MGBS over a distance of 40 km.
Comprehensive master plan in making
CM Reddy instructed officials to prepare a comprehensive master plan addressing the city’s growing needs and envisaged dispersed growth hubs along the Outer Ring Road. Additionally, he proposed Metro Rail connectivity from the Airport area to Kandukur on the Srisailam highway, where a mega township could be established on lands designated for Pharma city.
As part of the future vision, the Chief Minister directed officials to explore Metro Phase-III plans, extending from JBS Metro station to Shameerpet and from Paradise Metro station to Kandlakoya/Medchal.
The Chief Secretary, A Santhi Kumari, and other officials were present during the meeting, emphasising the collaborative effort towards realising these ambitious Metro expansion plans for the vibrant city of Hyderabad.
