Hyderabad MP urges early Centre approval for Rs 24,269 cr Metro‑2 expansion
Hyderabad, a rapidly expanding metropolitan hub and a pivotal contributor to India’s economic growth, is facing an escalating crisis of traffic congestion and vehicular pollution. This critical challenge has prompted a significant appeal in the Lok Sabha, urging the Union Urban Affairs Ministry to expedite the approval process for the Hyderabad Metro Rail Phase-II project. The impassioned plea underscored the urgent necessity for enhanced public transportation infrastructure to sustain the city’s development trajectory and improve the quality of life for its burgeoning population.
The proposed Phase-II expansion of the Hyderabad Metro is an ambitious undertaking, designed to span 76.4 kilometres across five new corridors, with an estimated total project cost of ₹24,269 crore. The Telangana government formally submitted this comprehensive proposal to the Centre in November 2024, outlining a robust funding model. This model envisages a joint venture, with the Centre committing 18% of the project cost (₹4,230 crore), the Telangana government contributing 30% (₹7,313 crore), and the remaining 48% (₹11,693 crore) to be raised through debt. A further 4% (₹1,033 crore) is anticipated from private partners under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, highlighting a multi-faceted approach to financing this critical urban infrastructure.
The urgency of the situation was further emphasised by drawing a comparison with numerous other Indian cities. It was highlighted that over 20 smaller cities, including Agra, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Indore, and Kochi, have already received joint venture approvals from the Centre for their respective Metro Rail projects. This disparity in approval timelines raises pertinent questions regarding the prioritisation of major economic centres like Hyderabad, which are grappling with severe urban mobility challenges that directly impact productivity and environmental health.
Furthermore, the parliamentary discourse recalled Hyderabad’s historical standing in urban transit. In 2010, Hyderabad boasted the second-largest metro network in India, trailing only New Delhi. However, due to perceived delays in expansion, the city has since slipped to ninth place, underscoring the consequences of deferred infrastructure development. The appeal to the Union Urban Affairs Minister was to facilitate early clearance and approval of the Metro Phase-II proposal by promptly forwarding it to the relevant departments and agencies.
The successful implementation of Hyderabad Metro Phase-II is not merely about enhancing connectivity; it is a fundamental step towards creating a more sustainable, eco-friendly, and equitable urban environment. By reducing reliance on private vehicles, the metro expansion will significantly contribute to lowering carbon emissions and mitigating air pollution, aligning with the broader agenda of developing zero-net carbon cities. Moreover, improved public transport accessibility fosters gender neutrality by providing safer and more reliable commuting options for all citizens, thereby serving the larger interest of the city and society. The resolution of this approval process is critical for Hyderabad to reclaim its position as a leader in urban mobility and sustainable development.
