Hyderabad Metro Rail Road Widening Works Begin in Old City

Demolition of Structures, Including Businesses, Opposite Safina Hotel and Victoria Hotel in Moghalpura Begins

Hyderabad: Road Widening for Metro Rail Extension to Old City Kicks Off

Hyderabad: Road widening works for the extension of the *Hyderabad Metro Rail* to the Old City commenced early this week. The groundwork for these works, including land demarcation, was completed months ago, and compensations to affected property owners were distributed at the beginning of this year.

On Tuesday, January 21, demolition of structures, primarily businesses, began along the stretch from *Safina Hotel*, *Victoria Hotel*, to Volta Road in Moghalpura.

The Hyderabad Metro Rail Project's Phase 2 expansion* has been sanctioned by the *Telangana government with a budget of *₹24,269 crore*. While awaiting central government approval for five proposed metro corridors covering 76.4 km, the state-run special-purpose vehicle has moved forward with plans to start work on the *Old City Corridor*.

The *Old City Corridor*, stretching from *Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station (MGBS)* to *Falaknuma*, was originally planned as part of the metro’s first phase but was delayed due to various challenges. This extension will now reach *Chandrayangutta*.

Compensation for property owners in the Old City area has been set at *₹65,000 per square yard*. In addition to property compensation, evictees will receive structural value and resettlement and rehabilitation benefits. Out of the 175 evictees, 40 have already received their compensation.

Importantly, none of the 106 religious and historical structures along the proposed route will be affected in a bid to preserve the region’s heritage.

Key Details of the MGBS-Chandrayangutta (Old City Corridor):
- Length: 7.5 km
- Stations: 6
- Extension of the Green Line** (JBS-MGBS)
- Part of Hyderabad Metro Phase 2 Expansion

The second phase of the expansion primarily features elevated corridors, except for a 1.6 km stretch at the *Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA)*.

The five new corridors of *Phase 2* include:
1. *Nagole – Shamshabad RGIA Airport* (36.8 km)
2. *Raidurg – Kokapet* (11.6 km)
3. *MGBS – Chandrayangutta Old City Corridor* (7.5 km)
4. *Miyapur – Patancheru* (13.4 km)
5. *LB Nagar – Hayat Nagar* (7.1 km)

Additionally, there is a proposed 40 km corridor between *Shamshabad RGIA Airport* and *Skill University in Fourth City*, for which the alignment and cost estimation are under review.

The second phase of the metro expansion is expected to be completed within four years.