HMR Authorities Still Unclear On Metro Routes

The Hyderabad Metro Rail authorities are in a state of confusion over the re-alignment of the Metro Rail route at certain places including the Assembly, Sultan Bazar and Old City.

Despite repeated objections raised by Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao over the present route, the Telangana Government, according to sources, has not conveyed its stand on the issue to the HMR authorities.

The government could not take a decision despite holding an all-Party meeting twice.

Amid this confusion, the HMR authorities are unable to decide whether or not to proceed with the existing design of the Metro Rail project.

The HMRL is expecting an increase in cost by nearly Rs 3,000 crores if the present alignment is changed. Further, the changes are likely to cause heavy revenue loss to the L&T HMRL as it would have to drop a few stations from the list. These include the proposed stations at Assembly and Sultan Bazar, and along the entire route in the Old City, although they will be replaced with other stations.

The State Government, according to sources, is willing to compensate only about Rs 1,000 crores. The HMR authorities want to negotiate the issue with the government only after receipt of some written orders.

The political Parties are divided over the issue. While the Congress wants no changes in the route, the TDP and BJP want the HMR to go ahead with the original route in the Old City. The MIM is strongly demanding a complete change in the alignment in the Old City in order to prevent the relocation of about 40 places of worship, including seven heritage structures, and about 1,200 private properties.

For now, the HMR authorities have reportedly decided to focus on the completion of works in other areas which are currently not under dispute. (INN)