Progressing with work on the Outer Ring Road (ORR), except for the Kandlakoya point, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) is looking at opening another 25 km stretch for traffic by next month-end.
Divided into two packages, the second phase work between Patancheru and Dundigal has been progressing on schedule and is expected to be ready for vehicles in another 50 days. “By November-end, we should be able to open it for use if all goes well between now and the deadline,” says HMDA Commissioner Rajeshwar Tiwari.
This stretch taken up with funding from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is split into two packages of 12 km and 13 km and being attended to by different contractors.
Once ready, these 25 km gets added to the 87 km of ORR Phase-I that is already operational from Pedda Amberpet to Muthangi at Patancheru.
“That way, by next month-end we will have 102 km of the 158 km long project completed and in use,” said Mr. Tiwari. The remaining part of the project, i.e., 46-km-long stretch, is scheduled to be completed by November next year.
Meanwhile, the ORR has however some issues to be sorted out at Kandlakoya. The acquisition of land to the extent of around 400 acres has been with the courts. Mr. Tiwari said, “There was an order from the High Court and we have preferred an appeal in the Supreme Court on the matter. We intend pursuing it vigorously to ensure that such a big project doesn't get affected midway.”
Toll plazas
The authorities have initiated the tender process for setting up toll plazas along the ORR that has been completed but it also had a bidder approaching the court. “We are waiting for judgment and will pursue it immediately,” he added.
