Hyderabad, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant move aimed at enhancing urban infrastructure, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has directed officials to prepare a detailed report on metro rail connectivity between Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGI) and the ambitious 'future city' planned for the outskirts of Hyderabad. This initiative was discussed during a recent meeting focused on the Musi Riverfront Development and the expansion of the Hyderabad metro rail network.
The Chief Minister emphasized the urgency of resolving any obstacles to metro rail expansion, particularly concerning land acquisition issues. He has instructed that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the metro rail extension be completed before the upcoming Dussehra festival in October. This report is crucial for submission to the central government, ensuring that the project moves forward without delays.
Reddy's vision includes not just a direct link to the airport but also a significant expansion through the old city of Hyderabad, enhancing public transport accessibility. He outlined plans for the 'fourth city' at Mucharla, which will feature an AI and health tourism hub, alongside sports facilities and other developments. This future city aims to complement the existing urban centers of Hyderabad, Secunderabad, and Cyberabad.
In alignment with these ambitious plans, the Congress government has allocated ₹1,100 crore for the next phase of the Hyderabad Metro Rail. This budget includes ₹100 crore specifically for extending the metro to the Shamshabad International Airport and ₹500 crore for connecting the Old City from MGBS to Falaknuma and further to Chandrayanagutta.
During a recent budget speech, Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikaramarka highlighted the critical traffic challenges facing the twin cities. He asserted that strengthening the public transport network, with metro rail as a central component, is essential for alleviating congestion. The government is poised to develop 78.4 km of five extended corridors, backed by an impressive outlay of ₹24,042 crore.
The planned expansions include vital connections to the Old City and enhanced routes to the Shamshabad Airport. The existing corridors, such as Nagole to LB Nagar, will also see improvements. Additionally, stations like Nagole, LB Nagar, and Chandrayanagutta are set to be developed as interchange stations, enhancing the efficiency of the network.
Proposed expansions will also see metro services from Miyapur to Patancheru and LB Nagar to Hayathnagar. These initiatives not only aim to meet the diverse needs of the city’s population but also promote equitable development across various regions.
As the Telangana government moves forward with these transformative plans, the focus on improving metro rail connectivity is expected to significantly impact urban mobility and infrastructure in Hyderabad, paving the way for a more integrated and accessible city.