HYDERABAD: The state government has allocated a whopping Rs 10,000 crore for the development of Hyderabad — the largest investment in the city since the formation of Telangana with the aim of transforming it into one of the world’s most liveable cities.
“Hyderabad is central to the growth of Telangana. Integrated growth of Hyderabad would enable the government to mobilise huge resources for the development of the state. Keeping this in view, we have proposed a never-before proposed amount of Rs 10,000 crore for the development of Hyderabad,” Finance Minister Bhatti Vikramarka said.
The Budget focuses on infrastructure, public transport, environmental sustainability, and urban planning, he said.
Major allocations
To enhance city services, the government allocated Rs 3,065 crore to the GHMC, Rs 3,385 crore to the HMWSSB, and Rs 500 crore to the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority.
Additional allocations include Rs 200 crore to the Hyderabad Disaster Relief and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA), Rs 500 crore for extending the Metro to the Old City, Rs 100 crore for extending the Metro Rail to the airport, Rs 200 crore for the Outer Ring Road, Rs 500 crore for the Metro Rail and Rs 50 crore for the MMTS.
Rs 1,500 crore proposed for Musi revamp
A significant Rs 1,500 crore has been allocated for the Musi Riverfront Development Project aimed at rejuvenating the river’s ecosystem and improving 110 km of urban area along its banks by creating recreation zones, plazas, children’s theme parks and entertainment areas.
The project, inspired by the Thames Riverfront Project in London, seeks to establish an economic zone, improve living standards, protect heritage and improve the city’s infrastructure and image.
Addressing neglect, and new initiatives
Vikramarka said that previous Congress governments attempted to develop Hyderabad into a global city. “However, Hyderabad has faced significant issues due to neglect over the past decade, including sanitation, sewerage, and drinking water problems. Pollution has deteriorated Hussainsagar and Musi, and poorly planned projects and illegal constructions have hindered development,” he said.
He said thousands of crores accrued to the state treasury during BRS rule through the sale of valuable land in and around Hyderabad, and alleged that these funds were not spent on improving the city.
He alleged that in the 2023–24 Budget, the GHMC received a raw deal. “While the civic body submitted proposals for 4,500 crore, it was not allocated any funds for major works. It got Rs 10 crore as tax from properties, Rs 10 crore as compensation towards professional tax and Rs 10 lakh for Motor Vehicle Tax, which it was owed,” Vikramarka said.
Metro expansion and satellite townships
He proposed a Rs 24,042 crore plan for five new Metro corridors, extending the network to 78.4 km. It will connect the Metro to the Old City, and then to the airport with interchange stations at Nagole, LB Nagar and Chandrayangutta. Also, satellite townships around Hyderabad will be promoted to address traffic jams and provide affordable housing. The Metro will be extended from Miyapur to Patancheru and LB Nagar to Hayathnagar, he said.
Disaster MGMT
Pointing out that the Telangana Core Urban Region (TCUR), which includes 48.6% of the state’s population is undergoing rapid urbanisation, Vikramarka recalled that to manage urban disasters effectively, the government has established HYDRAA. The Agency will coordinate with state and external institutes for disaster prevention and asset protection within the TCUR
city-centric
Rs 24,042 crore for five new Metro corridors
Rs 3,065 cr to the GHMC
Rs 3,385 cr for Water Board
Rs 200 cr for HYDRAA
Rs 1,500 cr for Musi project
Rs 500 cr for HMDA