Only 55 properties left to be acquired on Old City metro stretch, says HMR

Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL) has announced that only 55 properties remain to be acquired along the Old City metro stretch, according to an official statement. During a field inspection on Saturday, HMRL's Additional Managing Director B. Ajith Reddy directed officials from various government departments to speed up ongoing work on the project. The focus of the inspection was the 7.5-kilometer metro corridor running from Darulshifa to Chandrayangutta. Officials informed Mr. Reddy that 833 of the total 888 affected properties along the route had already been acquired. This leaves just 55 properties yet to be secured, some of which include heritage and older buildings. Mr. Reddy emphasized the importance of expediting the acquisition process, particularly due to the challenges associated with these specific properties. He also highlighted the need to address the complexities surrounding their ownership and legal status. In addition to property acquisition, Mr. Reddy ordered officials to move forward with the relocation of utility infrastructure such as electricity poles, power lines, and water pipelines. These steps are essential to prevent delays in the construction phase. He stressed the necessity of improved collaboration among different government departments to streamline operations and ensure smooth progress. The inspection included several key personnel from HMRL and other relevant authorities. HMR Chief Engineer S. Bhaskar Reddy, Special Project Manager C. Vinod Kumar, Executive Engineer K. Shyam Mohan Reddy, Deputy Chief Engineer T. Ramachandran, Project Manager K. Narasinga Rao, Land Acquisition DGM V. Praveen Kumar, GHMC Zonal Commissioner K. Satyanarayana, and representatives from Metro Water Works were present during the visit. Mr. Reddy reiterated the Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s directive to prioritize the Old City Metro Rail project. The initiative aims to enhance public transportation options for residents in the densely populated southern parts of Hyderabad. He expressed satisfaction with the cooperation received from local communities, noting that this support has contributed significantly to the project's progress so far. The project involves extensive land acquisition efforts, which have faced numerous challenges. The remaining properties require careful handling due to their historical significance and the potential legal hurdles they might pose. Officials are working closely with local authorities to resolve these issues efficiently. Efforts to clear debris from demolished properties and secure necessary rights of way for construction activities are being accelerated. This includes ensuring that all agencies involved provide timely assistance to maintain momentum on the project. Coordination between different departments is considered crucial for overcoming logistical obstacles. The continued progress of the Old City Metro Rail project reflects broader urban development goals in Hyderabad. As the city expands, improving public transit systems becomes increasingly vital for managing population growth and reducing traffic congestion. The completion of this segment will contribute to the overall network, enhancing mobility for thousands of residents. With only 55 properties remaining, the final phase of land acquisition is approaching. The upcoming steps will determine how quickly the project can reach its completion stage. The success of this endeavor depends on the effective management of the remaining tasks and the continued support from both governmental bodies and local communities.