Hyderabad: The Telangana government has stepped up efforts to expand Hyderabad’s Metro Rail network, with the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) releasing Rs.275 crore towards Phase-II development and the management of the existing Phase-I project.
HMDA issued two separate government orders on Monday approving the release of the funds. Of the total amount, Rs.150 crore has been allocated for Phase-II Part-A against a budget provision of Rs.600 crore, while Rs.125 crore has been released as a loan for Phase-I operations against an allocation of Rs.500 crore.
The Rs.150 crore released to Hyderabad Airport Metro Limited (HAML) will primarily support the proposed 7.5-km Old City Metro corridor between MGBS and Chandrayangutta. Of the 888 properties acquired for the project, compensation of around Rs.820 crore has already been paid to owners of 833 properties. Compensation of nearly Rs.100 crore remains pending for the other 55 properties.
The funds will also be used for relocating electric poles and trees, conducting land acquisition surveys for six additional proposed corridors and engaging a General Consultancy agency to supervise construction.
The Rs.125 crore loan for Phase-I is expected to help clear pending contractor bills related to station development works, employee salaries and other administrative requirements of the metro operator.
Under Phase-II Part-A, the state government has proposed seven corridors covering approximately 122.9 km at an estimated cost of Rs.38,595 crore. The Centre and state government have proposed sharing the project expenditure equally through a joint venture arrangement.
Approval of the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) is expected after the state completes the takeover of Phase-I from Larsen & Toubro (L&T). The government is working to mobilise Rs.13,600 crore for the takeover.
