Challenges Mount for Land Acquisition in Hyderabad’s Old City Metro Expansion?
Despite this, some local community leaders have expressed concerns about preserving religious and heritage structures along the metro route, prompting officials to explain innovative engineering solutions, such as careful placement of pillars and stations.
Hyderabad: The Phase II Green Line metro rail project is advancing rapidly towards Hyderabad’s Old City, with authorities expediting land acquisition processes. However, various community groups are raising obstacles to this significant project, which aims to enhance the historic landscape of Old City.
The Old City is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, bustling markets, and iconic landmarks that attract numerous visitors. However, limited transportation options have made exploring this area challenging. The arrival of the metro is set to change that, making it easier for people to experience the beauty of the Old City.
Despite this, some local community leaders have expressed concerns about preserving religious and heritage structures along the metro route, prompting officials to explain innovative engineering solutions, such as careful placement of pillars and stations.
“Community leaders from different sects have been holding meetings in the Old City, raising concerns about religious structures and processions, which are celebrated enthusiastically,” said Syed Safder Ali Moosvi, an activist from the Forum for Old City. Around 103 religious sites are along the metro route, including 21 mosques, 12 temples, 12 Ashoorkhanas, 33 dargahs, seven graveyards, six shrines, and other sensitive structures.
HMRL’s Managing Director, NVS Reddy, stated, “All religious, heritage, and other sensitive structures are being safeguarded through advanced engineering solutions and careful placement of pillars and stations. No heritage or sensitive structure will be demolished or touched, as we are not widening the road near such structures.”
Moosvi mentioned that parts of the Niyaz Khana premises, under the Nizam’s Trust, have been handed over to HMRL, along with other Ashoorkhanas falling along the route.
Furthermore, some property owners are raising issues regarding compensation, set at Rs 57,000, legal disputes, and family disagreements, creating hurdles in the land acquisition process. The land acquisition officer noted, “We have explained the steps taken, and if any property is not surrendered, we will submit it to the court.”
“The demands raised by residents have been forwarded to higher authorities, including the State Chief Secretary,” added the official.
According to HMRL, roads are being widened to 100 feet as per the GHMC master plan, and to 120 feet near metro stations. The current road width varies from 50-60 feet from Darulshifa Junction to Shalibanda Junction and 80 feet from Shalibanda to Chandrayangutta. Thus, the affected portion of each property will be about 20–25 feet from Darulshifa to Shalibanda, and about 10 feet from Shalibanda to Chandrayangutta. “The affected area may increase at station locations and sections with sharp curves,” officials stated.
