Metro Rail Expansion Picks Up Pace in Old City; Fewer Properties Affected

Hyderabad: The Metro Rail corridor project between MGBS and Chandrayangutta in Hyderabad’s Old City is moving forward with accelerated road widening and construction preparations. The Hyderabad Airport Metro Limited (HAML) Managing Director, NVS Reddy, confirmed that the alignment has been optimized to reduce the number of affected properties.

Mr. Reddy said daily reviews with engineering and revenue officials are being conducted to ensure steady progress. “Earlier, the number of properties expected to be impacted stood at around 1,100. But after reworking the alignment, it has been brought down to approximately 900,” he said.

So far, awards have been issued for 412 properties, with demolition completed for 380. Compensation of ₹360 crore has been paid to the owners of acquired properties.

Acknowledging the challenges in land acquisition, Mr. Reddy noted the area's dense layout, with closely packed homes and overhead utility lines, complicates the process. To reduce public inconvenience, demolition and related works are being carried out mainly at night. A detailed action plan is in place to acquire the remaining properties and finish the pending demolitions quickly.

Preparations for civil works are underway. Locations for upcoming metro pillars have been identified, and marking has begun. These pillars, which will support the viaduct, will be placed approximately 25 meters apart.

A geotechnical agency has been appointed to carry out soil bearing tests for proposed station and pillar sites. A DGPS survey has been completed to finalize pillar and station locations while avoiding heritage and sensitive structures. Temporary Bench Mark (TBM) locations have also been established to support the construction survey process.

To facilitate metro construction, underground utilities such as sewerage, water pipelines, stormwater drains, and electricity lines are being identified for relocation. As directed by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, overhead electrical cables will be converted to underground lines. Departments including GHMC, TSSPDCL, and the Water Board have been asked to submit estimates for the required utility shifting.

Metro officials and field teams are coordinating closely to ensure efficient and uninterrupted execution of the project.