Telangana Cabinet Greenlights Hyderabad Metro Acquisition and Major Urban Initiatives
The state cabinet of Telangana, under the leadership of Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, convened on Monday and approved a landmark decision to take over the Hyderabad Metro Rail project from Larsen & Toubro (L&T) by March 31. This move is part of a broader series of approvals aimed at bolstering infrastructure and public welfare ahead of the upcoming budget session of the assembly, which begins on March 16, with the budget presentation scheduled for March 20.
Metro Takeover Details and Financial Implications
According to a cabinet sub-committee report, the state government will pay approximately Rs 15,000 crore to L&T to acquire phase-1 operations, which includes debt liabilities. The current value of metro assets is estimated to be between Rs 19,000 crore and Rs 22,000 crore, indicating that the acquisition is being made at a discount of roughly 22%. Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, while briefing reporters, stated that detailed modalities of the takeover will be discussed during the budget session. Additionally, the government has decided to expedite the phase-2 expansion of the metro rail network to enhance connectivity across the region.
Insurance and Healthcare Benefits for Government Employees
In a significant welfare measure, the cabinet approved an extension of a Rs 1.2 crore insurance cover and cashless medical treatment for all government employees. This initiative is expected to provide financial security and improved healthcare access, reinforcing the government's commitment to employee well-being.
Development Projects in Hyderabad and CURE Area
The cabinet cleared a series of development initiatives within the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation limits and two other municipal corporations falling under the Core Urban Region Economy (CURE) area inside the Outer Ring Road. These approvals come as civic elections are due in the near future, highlighting the government's focus on urban infrastructure. Key projects include:
- Modernisation of the Manjeera water supply scheme: Phases 1 and 2 in Hyderabad will be upgraded at a cost of Rs 722 crore, along with a new pipeline from Osmansagar costing Rs 282 crore. Ponguleti Reddy noted that outdated pipelines and pump houses currently result in about 30% water loss, which will be resolved through this modernisation, improving water supply to the CURE area.
- Comprehensive Road Maintenance Programme (CRMP phase-2): Approximately 300 km of additional roads in Hyderabad will be developed at a cost of Rs 3,145 crore, supplementing the 744 km covered in phase-1.
- Land allocations: The cabinet approved the allocation of 153 acres in Kapra mandal to defence authorities on an equal-value basis, as 42 acres of defence land had previously been used for elevated corridor construction. Additionally, land belonging to Sharada Peetham in Kokapet was allotted to the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board for infrastructure in the Neopolis area, with alternative land to be provided to the institution.
Housing and Economic Initiatives
To address housing needs, the cabinet approved the auction of shops built near double-bedroom housing units in the CURE area and decided to launch a special drive for the construction of Indiramma houses across rural and urban areas. The government will also explore maximum central assistance for this programme. In terms of economic development, the cabinet cleared:
- A multi-modal logistics park and food processing park at Koheda in Rangareddy district, transferring 223 acres to the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation.
- Allocation of 239 acres to the agriculture marketing department for a world-class fruit market.
- Issuance of a renewable energy distribution licence to data centres with a consumption of 300 MW as part of the clean and green energy policy.
Religious and Cultural Allocations
In a separate decision, the cabinet allotted 20 acres at Dhamsalapuram village in Khammam Urban mandal for the construction of Sri Venkateswara Swamy Divya Kshetram under the auspices of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. Additionally, 12 plots of three acres each were allocated for the construction of the Panchamukha Anjaneya Swamy temple at Chigurumamidi in Karimnagar district, reflecting the government's support for cultural and religious infrastructure.
Census and Broader Implications
Separately, house listing under the Census exercise will commence in the state from May 11, marking a crucial step in data collection for governance and planning. These cabinet decisions, taken ahead of the budget session, underscore the government's proactive approach to infrastructure, welfare, and economic growth, setting the stage for significant developments in Telangana in the coming months.
