Historic Expansion for Hyderabad Municipal Corporation
In a landmark decision that promises to transform Hyderabad into one of India's largest urban centers, the Telangana state cabinet has approved the merger of 27 urban local bodies with the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation. The Tuesday cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, marks a significant step in urban planning and development for the rapidly growing city.
Details of the Merger
The integration includes all municipalities and corporations located within and around the Outer Ring Road area into GHMC. IT and Industries Minister D Sridhar Babu announced the cabinet decisions at a press conference, confirming that the merger aims to create uniformity in administration, taxation, and civic amenities for all residents in the expanded urban area.
The 27 urban local bodies now joining GHMC are: Pedda Amberpet, Jalpally, Shamshabad, Turkayamjal, Manikonda, Narsingi, Adibatla, Thukkuguda, Medchal, Dammaiguda, Nagaram, Pocharam, Ghatkesar, Gundla-pochampally, Thumkunta, Kompally, Dundigal, Bollaram, Tellapur, Ameenpur, Badangpet, Bandlaguda Jagir, Meerpet, Boduppal, Peerzadiguda, Jawaharnagar, and Nizampet.
Massive Geographical Expansion
This merger represents a substantial increase in GHMC's geographical footprint. Currently spanning approximately 650 square kilometers, the municipal corporation's area is set to expand significantly with the addition of these 27 urban local bodies. For context, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority covers a much larger area of 7,257 square kilometers across five districts, 55 mandals, and 849 villages.
The term of the current GHMC elected body is scheduled to expire on February 10, 2026. Urban development experts are now questioning whether the government will proceed with elections for the existing 150 wards or wait until after the merger, as the number of civic divisions is expected to increase substantially.
Major Infrastructure Upgrade: Underground Power Cables
In another significant development, the cabinet approved a massive ₹14,725 crore underground electricity cable project for Hyderabad. Minister Sridhar Babu revealed that officials have studied similar implementations in Bengaluru and other states before proposing this comprehensive infrastructure upgrade.
The underground cable system will be implemented across three sections based on electricity operation circles. The project will ensure that all T-Fiber and various other cable network wires along with electricity are placed underground, creating a multi-utility underground cable system with space for all varieties of cables.
The minister emphasized that the cabinet has instructed officials to prepare a comprehensive working plan for implementation, taking public opinion into consideration. This ambitious project positions Hyderabad alongside other metropolitan cities with advanced underground utility systems.
Future Planning and Considerations
While the merger has been approved, the government has not yet decided on whether the expanded GHMC will be bifurcated, trifurcated, or maintained as a single entity. Minister Sridhar Babu clarified that further decisions will be taken after obtaining opinions from citizens and other stakeholders.
The cabinet also cleared necessary amendments to the GHMC Act and Telangana Municipal Act to facilitate the merger process. This strategic move is expected to streamline urban governance, improve service delivery, and create a more cohesive development plan for the entire Hyderabad metropolitan region.
This expansion represents one of the most significant urban restructuring initiatives in recent Telangana history, potentially setting a precedent for other growing Indian cities facing similar urban sprawl challenges.
