HYDERABAD: In a bid to ensure the timely completion of urban development works, Chief Secretary K Ramakrishna Rao (KR Rao) reviewed the progress of several major infrastructure projects across Hyderabad on Sunday.
He first inspected the foot overbridge (FoB) nearing completion at Banjara Hills. MAUD Secretary K Ilambarithi informed the chief secretary that 42 FoBs are currently operational across the city, while surveys are underway to identify additional locations for new ones.
Later, KR Rao reviewed the ongoing road widening project from Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station (MGBS) to Chandrayangutta, being executed as part of the Hyderabad Metro Rail expansion at a cost of Rs 2,741 crore. Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL) Managing Director NVS Reddy informed him that land acquisition and demolition of affected structures are progressing.
The CS also visited Khursheed Jah Devdi in Hussaini Alam to inspect its conservation and restoration works. Other sites inspected included the Moosarambagh flyover, Falaknuma RoB and the Amberpet Sewage Treatment Plant.
During his inspections, RK Rao directed officials to speed up the execution of works without compromising on quality. He was accompanied by GHMC Commissioner RV Karnan, HMDA Commissioner Sarfaraz Ahmed, HMWSSB MD Ashok Reddy and officials from various civic departments.
Protecting historical, religious structures
The CS, along with NVS Reddy, inspected the 7.5-km MGBS to Chandrayangutta Metro Rail corridor in the Old City, where road widening and demolition of encroaching structures are underway.
The team reviewed the progress from Darulshifa to Shalibanda Junction. NVS Reddy informed the CS that utilities such as power, telephone and cable lines are being carefully relocated to avoid service disruption. “Over 105 religious, historical and sensitive structures lie along the corridor. We are taking utmost care to ensure they remain unaffected,” he said.
Demolition work is being carried out in two phases: rear structures during the day and front-facing sections at night, with advance consultations held with local stakeholders to ensure cooperation.
DPRs nearing finalisation
KR Rao confirmed that Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for Phase-2 (Part B) of the Hyderabad Metro Rail project are in the final stages and will be presented at the upcoming HAML Board meeting. Following approval from the state government, they will be sent to the Centre. The proposed corridors include JBS–Medchal (24.5 km), JBS–Shamirpet (22 km) and Shamshabad–Future City (40 km).