Hyderabad
oi-Ashish Rana
The Centre has expressed willingness to move ahead with the long-awaited Phase-II expansion of the Hyderabad Metro, with Union Minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy stating that the Union government has “no objection” to granting in-principle approval for the project.
The Union government is ready for in-principle approval of Hyderabad Metro’s 162 km Phase-II expansion, proposing 50:50 cost sharing with Telangana, and ₹3,975 crore is allocated for 39 STPs under AMRUT 2.0 to treat Musi River wastewater.
Speaking after a meeting with Union Minister for Urban Development Manohar Lal Khattar in New Delhi on Wednesday, Kishan Reddy said the Centre is ready to support the project through a 50:50 cost-sharing arrangement with the Telangana government.
Centre, Telangana Discuss Hyderabad Metro Expansion
The two Union ministers conducted a detailed review of major urban infrastructure projects currently underway in Hyderabad under the Union Ministry of Urban Development. Discussions focused on public transport, sanitation, infrastructure development and other civic initiatives in the city.
A key part of the meeting revolved around the Hyderabad Metro Phase-II expansion. According to Kishan Reddy, the Telangana government has already submitted proposals for expanding the Metro network across 162 kilometres.
“Kishan Reddy said in a statement that the Centre has no objection for in-principle approval to Hyderabad Metro Phase-II project and that it is prepared to proceed on 50:50 cost sharing basis with the Telangana government.”
Khattar reportedly informed that since the Telangana government has already taken over Metro operations from Larsen & Toubro, the Centre would now undertake a detailed examination of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and technical specifications related to the remaining Phase-II works before taking a final decision.
Positive Consideration for 162-km Metro Proposal
The proposed Metro Phase-II expansion is expected to significantly enhance connectivity across Hyderabad and surrounding regions. Khattar indicated that the Centre is inclined to view the proposal favourably.
“Noting that the State government has already submitted proposals for the Phase-II Metro expansion covering a stretch of 162 kms, Khattar revealed that the Central government would give these proposals positive consideration and initiate further necessary actions.”
The development comes amid increasing demand for improved urban transport infrastructure in Hyderabad, one of India’s fastest-growing metropolitan cities.
₹3,975 Crore Musi River Sanitation Push Under AMRUT 2.0
Apart from Metro expansion, the ministers also reviewed the ongoing sanitation and river conservation plans linked to the Musi River.
According to Kishan Reddy, Khattar shared details of a major sewage treatment initiative being implemented under the Centre’s AMRUT 2.0 programme.
He said 39 Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) have been sanctioned to stop untreated wastewater from entering the Musi River. The projects are being implemented at an estimated cost of ₹3,975 crore.
“Khattar further revealed that these 39 STPs will have the capacity to treat 972 million litres of sewage per day.”
The initiative is expected to improve sanitation in Hyderabad while also aiding conservation efforts for the Musi River.
Centre Assures Full Support for Hyderabad Infrastructure
Kishan Reddy said the Union government remains committed to strengthening Hyderabad’s urban infrastructure and improving civic amenities for residents.
“Kishan Reddy said Khattar clarified that the Central government is extending its full cooperation towards the development of Hyderabad city and the provision of improved infrastructure facilities for its citizens.”
The Union minister also thanked Khattar on behalf of Hyderabad residents for the Centre’s continued support towards key infrastructure and public utility projects in the city.
