No stay by High Court on Old City metro rail works in Hyderabad: HAML MD
Hyderabad: Reports circulating about the High Court issuing a stay on the Metro Rail works in the old city are factually incorrect and misleading, clarified Hyderabad Airport Metro Limited (HAML) Managing Director N.V.S. Reddy.
In a statement, N.V.S. Reddy said the High Court has not issued any stay order on the Metro Rail project in the old city. He explained that the court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the Act Public Welfare Foundation (APWF), and in an earlier counter affidavit, HAML clarified that no heritage structures would be affected by the project. The Metro alignment, he said, is well away from the Charminar and Falaknuma precincts.
During the hearing, the Additional Advocate General, Imran Khan, representing HAML, assured the court that no heritage structures would be touched or demolished. Following this, both the petitioner and HAML submitted additional affidavits. In response to the petitioner’s latest affidavit, the Additional Advocate General requested time to file a consolidated counter. The High Court granted three weeks for this and stated that any interim relief already in place would continue until the next hearing.
“The court's order is being misinterpreted. There is no stay on the Metro works. These reports are part of a misinformation campaign,” N.V.S. Reddy said.
He added that demolition of structures required for road widening and Metro construction is progressing steadily, with most property owners accepting compensation under consent awards.
N.V.S. Reddy pointed out the challenges in carrying out demolition in the old city, including the close proximity of buildings and the presence of tightly packed utility lines. He said the demolition is being carried out mostly at night to avoid disruption to traffic.
He also acknowledged the efforts of HAML staff, especially women officials, who are engaging with property owners and supervising work at night. N.V.S. Reddy reiterated that engineering solutions are being used to protect heritage structures and that, as assured to the High Court, none will be damaged.
So far, 311 properties have been acquired for the project, and Rs. 283 crore has been disbursed as compensation. N.V.S. Reddy said local residents have shown support and are looking forward to the long-awaited Metro Rail extension.
