Pressmediaofindia
Related Articles
Hyderabad, Sept 10 (Najaf Ali Shoukat-PMI): The Congress government’s proposed Hyderabad Metro expansion project has turned into a three-way tug of war. Before clarity emerges on one issue, new complications surface, stalling approvals and leaving the public in confusion.
-
Delays in project approvals
-
Lack of coordination between L&T, the Centre, and the State
-
No approval, even after 251 days
Uncertainty now clouds when the Centre will give its nod and when the State can begin work. Citizens remain confused about when the much-awaited Metro expansion will actually take shape. The BJP-led Centre has raised questions regarding the role of L&T—which played a key role in Phase-1—the financial implications of integrating two separate projects, and the challenges involved in expansion. These concerns have even cast doubts on whether the Phase-2 expansion will go forward at all.
The prestigious second phase of Hyderabad Metro has become a case of “Trishanku’s heaven”—stuck between proposals and paperwork. Each stakeholder offers their own explanations, while the project continues to be delayed, depriving Hyderabad of the benefits of a modern public transport system.
Why the delay?
Experts point to the inclusion of irrelevant corridors as a major reason. Proposing a separate corridor for underpopulated areas like Fourth City has raised eyebrows about the neglect of high-demand routes. For years, proposals have existed to extend Metro to North City, but no support has come from the Centre. Even though the BRS government once proposed expansion towards the city outskirts and finalized tenders—including the 36 km Airport Metro from Raidurg to Shamshabad—these were scrapped when Congress came to power. Instead, routes through less essential areas were added, leading to further objections from the Centre.
Meanwhile, the role of L&T has become crucial again. As the operator of the existing Phase-1, the company has highlighted practical challenges with expansion. Without its cooperation, the project may not move forward, prompting the Centre to scrutinize L&T’s involvement before granting approval.
Thus, amid tussles between the Centre and the State, approvals remain stalled, and Hyderabad’s much-needed Metro Phase-2 continues to face uncertainty.(pressmediaofindia.com)
