Hyderabad, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant move towards enhancing connectivity and urban development, Telangana's Chief Minister, A Revanth Reddy, laid the foundation stone for the Old City metro line on Friday, March 8. This pivotal 5.5 km stretch, integrated into Corridor II's green line from JBS to Falaknuma, aims to bridge crucial gaps in the city's transportation network. The Chief Minister, emphasizing the historical significance of the Old City, announced a projected cost of approximately Rs 2000 crores for the ambitious project, scheduled for completion in five years.
The proposed metro rail alignment traverses through key locales, including Darulshifa, Puranihaveli, Etebarchowk, Alijakotla, Mir Momin Daira, Haribowli, Shalibanda, Shamsheergunj, Aliabad, and culminates at the Falaknuma Metro Rail station. Notably, four stations—Salarjung Museum, Charminar, Shalibanda, and Falaknuma—will be strategically placed along the route. Although these stations are approximately 500 meters away from the historical monuments, Salarjung Museum and Charminar are named for their historical significance, as highlighted by HMRL MD NVS Reddy.
MD NVS Reddy reassured the public that meticulous engineering solutions are being devised to ensure the preservation of religious and heritage structures along the route. This commitment extends to both road widening and Metro Rail construction, aligning with the government's dedication to preserving Hyderabad's rich cultural heritage.
Beyond the initial phase, the Old City metro line is slated for an additional 1.5 km extension from Falaknuma to Chandrayangutta. This extension holds strategic importance as it will transform Chandrayangutta into a major interchange station for the newly planned Airport line, connecting Nagole, LB Nagar, Chandrayangutta, Mailardevpally, P7 Road, and Shamshabad Airport. This foresighted expansion demonstrates a comprehensive approach to developing an integrated metro network that not only serves the present but anticipates the future needs of the growing city.
During the foundation stone-laying ceremony, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy emphasized the unity required among all political parties to foster the holistic development of Hyderabad. He stated, "Old City is the real Hyderabad, and the Congress party is committed to developing it." This commitment to collaborative development was echoed by AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi, who expressed his party's cooperation with the state government in propelling the city's progress.
Laying the foundation stone of the Old City metro project represents a pivotal step towards transforming Hyderabad's transportation infrastructure. As the city continues to evolve, these strategic initiatives not only enhance connectivity but also preserve its rich cultural heritage. The commitment to careful engineering solutions and collaborative efforts between political parties underscores a shared vision for the city's growth. With the Old City metro poised to become a cornerstone of Hyderabad's transportation network, the future holds promise for a more connected, accessible, and vibrant city.