In an effort to further expand the Hyderabad metro rail project now underway, the K Chandrasekhar Rao Government has suggested extension of the network from one of the terminal points at Falaknuma to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at Shamshabad, while also linking up all busy rail and bus junctions.
The decision comes at a detailed review meeting held here today on the progress of the 72-km-long elevated metro rail project now being executed by L&T under public, private partnership (PPP) mode.
During the meeting, the Chief minister wanted that the metro rail provide good connectivity at all major rail and bus junctions so that not only local passengers but also those who come from other locations benefit from the rail.
The project, which commenced works in March 2012 is scheduled to be completed by April 2017. Of the 72 km stretch spanning three busy corridors, thus far work on 19 km has been fully executed and trail runs have also been successfully completed. About 49 km stretch has seen foundations being completed, with pillars on 45 km ready and 36 km of viaduct already laid.
The request of the concessionaire for providing power at subsidised rate for the metro project is likely to be considered favourably.
Thus far, the State Government has allocated Rs 2,000 crore for land acquisition, road widening and for paying compensation to people who have parted with their land for the project.
With the State sorting out issues with defence, about 1.5 acre site required for metro works has also been secured paving way for works at the project site.
In order to ensure timely completion of the project without any further hurdles, the Government has decided to conduct task force meetings once every week. The issue of re-alignment at couple of locations is also now under consideration.