Hyderabad Old City Metro: Compensation Cheques to Be Distributed on January 6

Hyderabad: The highly anticipated Metro Rail project in Hyderabad’s Old City is progressing significantly in property acquisition. This extension, part of the Phase II expansion of the Hyderabad Metro Rail network, is designed to enhance connectivity and ease traffic congestion in the historic Old City region.

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Property Acquisition and Compensation Distribution

Efforts to acquire properties for the project are well underway, with 169 property owners having agreed to hand over their properties. On January 6, 2025, compensation cheques will be distributed to 41 property owners at 2:00 PM in a special ceremony. The event will be held at the Hyderabad Collectorate Meeting Hall, where the Honorable State Minister for Transport and BC Welfare, Mr. Ponnam Prabhakar, will preside over the distribution.

This compensation distribution marks a significant milestone for the project, clearing the way for the initiation of demolition activities in the coming days. According to the Metro Tehsildar, the first phase of demolition will focus on the stretch between Dar-ul-Shifa and Mir Alam Mandi.

Compensation for Tenants

Metro Tehsildar has confirmed that commercial tenants affected by the project will also be eligible for compensation if 80% or more of the property they occupy is impacted. Ongoing inquiries are being conducted to identify eligible tenants, and their compensation will be disbursed separately, once approval is received from the Commissioner of Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R). Property owners will receive their cheques first, while tenants will be compensated at a later stage after their inquiries are completed.

Authorities have assured that the compensation process will be transparent and fair, ensuring the best possible outcome for both property owners and tenants.

Efforts to Minimize Disruption

Officials emphasized that all efforts are being made to minimize disruptions to local communities during both the demolition and construction phases. The project aims to address the growing public transportation needs of the region while ensuring that concerns about resettlement and compensation are properly managed.

Significance of the Project

The Old City Metro Rail extension is a key part of the broader Phase II expansion of the Hyderabad Metro Rail network, aiming to provide enhanced public transport options in one of Hyderabad’s most densely populated and culturally significant areas. To ensure the preservation of heritage, authorities have designed the project in such a way that 106 religious and historical sites along the metro route will remain unaffected.

Path Cleared for Metro Works

The government has finalized the compensation schedule for affected property owners, and the process is moving forward swiftly. According to HAML Managing Director, Mr. NVS Reddy, 1,100 properties along the MGBS to Chandrayangutta route in Corridor-6 are affected. A significant number of property owners are voluntarily providing their land for road widening and metro construction.

As of now, 169 property owners have submitted their consent letters, and ownership verification has been satisfactorily completed for over 40 properties. The compensation cheques for these owners will be distributed on January 6, 2025, at 2:00 PM, with State Minister Mr. Ponnam Prabhakar and Hyderabad MP Mr. Asaduddin Owaisi overseeing the distribution.

Compensation Details

The district collector, Mr. Anudeep Durishetty, has set a negotiated rate of ₹81,000 per square yard as the consent award for the affected properties. In addition to the compensation for land, eligible property owners will receive rehabilitation assistance and reimbursement for dismantled structures, as per the Relief and Rehabilitation Act. All compensations are being disbursed according to the Land Acquisition Act and based on the district collector’s decisions.

The cheque distribution event will be held at the Hyderabad District Collector’s office near Lakdikapul, with Metro MD Mr. NVS Reddy and District Collector Mr. Anudeep Durishetty attending the ceremony.

Expediting Metro Preparations

Under the instructions of Chief Minister Mr. A Revanth Reddy, officials are working to expedite preparations for the Metro project. The first phase of compensation distribution for over 40 property owners is currently underway, marking a significant step toward the project’s commencement.

This project, once completed, will bring much-needed improvements to the Old City, contributing to better connectivity and preserving the cultural heritage of the area.