New Telangana Govt halts construction of Hyderabad Airport Metro Line and orders probe

Hyderabad, India (Metro Rail Today): In a surprising turn of events, Telangana's new Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has taken the decision to halt the ongoing Hyderabad Airport Metro project and its associated works. The Chief Minister directed officials to pause the project and explore alternative, cost-effective routes. This move comes as Reddy raised concerns about the benefits granted to L&T Metro Rail Hyderabad Limited (LTMRHL) despite the incomplete status of the project in the old city of Hyderabad.

Unraveling the Decision

Revanth Reddy's directive, issued on Wednesday, puts the ambitious 31-km Airport Express Metro corridor on hold. This corridor was planned to connect Raidurg Metro station in Madhapur to RGI Airport in Shamshabad via the outer ring road (ORR). The joint venture involving Hyderabad Metro Metro Rail Limited (HMRL), Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), and Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TSIIC) was estimated to cost Rs 6,250 crore.

The foundation for the project was laid in December 2022, and groundwork related to alignment and tender documentation is currently underway. However, the Chief Minister expressed reservations about the alignment along the ORR, citing limited development opportunities due to GO-111 restrictions. He emphasized that the existing ORR serves as a sufficient mode of transport.

Alternative Routes and Development Plans

During a comprehensive review of the metro rail project and its expansion plans, Revanth Reddy proposed alternative routes to serve a larger population. He urged officials to consider routes via Mailardevpally, Jalpally, and P7 Road, or Barkas-Pahadi Shareef and Srisailam Road. The Chief Minister emphasized the need for cost-effective solutions and questioned the prioritization of the Airport Metro alignment through the Old City.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the benefits accorded to L&T MRHL amid the incomplete 5.5 km stretch in the old city, Reddy instructed officials to scrutinize the concession agreements of LTMRHL and GMR Airport, as well as the supplementary concession agreement of the metro rail, to safeguard the government's interests.

Vision for Development

Revanth Reddy outlined his vision for the balanced development of the city, advocating for satellite townships around the ORR. He highlighted the role of metro rail in providing affordable and rapid connectivity to these satellite townships. In line with this vision, he urged officials to plan an environmentally friendly mega township in Kandukur, where the government holds extensive land for Pharma City.

The Chief Minister stressed the importance of Pharma City being located away from Hyderabad, directing HMRL to strategize metro rail connectivity to this mega township from the airport via Tukkuguda on Srisailam Road.

As part of broader city planning, Reddy called for a new master plan, including the beautification of the Musi riverfront and the creation of an east-west road and metro rail corridor from Nagole to Gandipet, connecting the intercity bus terminal MGBS.

Telangana's decision to pause the Hyderabad Airport Metro project reflects a commitment to thorough scrutiny and strategic urban development. Revanth Reddy's directive aims to ensure that public projects align with the city's evolving needs, emphasizing cost-effectiveness and inclusivity.