Geo-technical Investigation started on Hyderabad's MGBS-Falaknuma Metro Corridor

Hyderabad, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant move towards realizing the long-pending 5.5-km Metro Rail project between MGBS and Falaknuma in Corridor-II (Green Line) within Hyderabad's Old City, Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL) has embarked on a crucial geotechnical investigation of the soil. This investigation aims to lay the foundation of piers for the project, aligning with the state government's determined efforts.

Upon the directive of Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, HMRL has engaged private agencies to undertake a comprehensive geotechnical investigation by means of borehole drilling. Spanning across 54 locations, this intensive three-month exercise holds the potential to provide valuable insights into subsoil profiles, characteristics, and strengths. It will also facilitate the collection of soil samples for further analysis. The estimated cost of this geotechnical investigation stands at approximately Rs 25-26 lakh, marking a pivotal step in the realization of the Old City Metro project.

The MGBS to Falaknuma corridor holds not only strategic significance but also promises enhanced accessibility to cultural landmarks such as the Salar Jung Museum and Charminar. Overcoming challenges in the form of property acquisition, this geotechnical investigation is poised to propel collaborative efforts between HMRL and GHMC in terms of land acquisition.

The project's alignment traverses through key points, including Darulshifa junction, Purani Haveli, Ettebar Chowk, Alijakotla, Mir Momin Daira, Haribowli, Shalibanda, Shamsheergunj, and Aliabad. Notably, the corridor hosts 103 religious and sensitive structures, encompassing mosques, temples, ashoorkhanas, dargahs, graveyards, and chillas. Through innovative engineering solutions, the preservation of most of these structures has been achieved, solidifying the project's integration with the city's cultural fabric.

Despite property acquisition challenges, the geotechnical investigation stands as a promising step forward, anticipating fruitful collaboration between HMRL and the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation. The 2022-23 budget allocated Rs 500 crore for the Old City metro extension, underscoring the commitment of the state government towards expanding Hyderabad's metro connectivity.