The second stage of construction of Hyderabad Metro Rail project between Miyapur and S.R. Nagar (12 km) is likely to get clearance from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) in two months after which it will be ready for commercial operations.
The second stage of work is on Corridor One – Miyapur to L.B. Nagar – and once the railway-over-bridges are completed at Lakdikapul and Malakpet, work on the entire stretch will be over in a year, informed HMR MD N.V.S. Reddy here on Monday. The first construction stage – Nagole to Mettuguda (8 km) – has already obtained the CMRS nod and is ready for operations. “There are no major obstacles. We have initiated land acquisition process for acquiring properties in Secunderabad and Jubilee Hills. The State government, however, has to take a view on the old city alignment,” he said, interacting with the media personnel. The 72-km project across the three corridors has been divided into six main construction stages by L&TMRH.
Although he did not want to reveal when the commercial operations would begin, Mr. Reddy said that the HMR was ready with a plan to start feeder services from stations to nearby colonies to pick and drop passengers to ensure last mile connectivity whenever the commercial operations begin in these two sections, he said.
“The TSRTC will be given first preference to run the services. Talks are also on with a few private entrepreneurs to run electric vehicle shuttle services. Of the 62 stations, at least 50 will have proper parking spaces and government land is identified at several places alongside the three corridors for parking,” he explained.
Following a pact with the Hyderabad Bicycling Club and UN Habitat, there could be more than 20 stations where bicycles would be made available. Mr. Reddy expects Chilkalguda, Begumpet and Alugadda Bhavi RoBs to be done later this year while Malakpet, Bhoiguda, Lakdikapul and Oliphanta will be ready next year.
Compensation claims
HMR expects Padmahamsa apartment owners’ compensation claims to be settled soon. One block of 24 flats and 11 shops would be taken over at a cost of Rs. 24 crore with each flat owner getting upwards of Rs. 50 lakh on an average for about 1,200 sq yards. A sum of Rs. 15 crore was already paid to Transstroy firm for its building in Jubilee Hills (2,100 sq yards) and the balance amount would be paid when the entire land is acquired.
