AAI Approval Advances Hyderabad Metro Project
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has recently given the green light to a crucial component of the proposed elevated corridor from Paradise Junction to Dairy Farm Road on NH-44, marking a significant milestone for Hyderabad’s urban infrastructure. The approval allows for the construction of a 0.6 km underground tunnel through the airside of Begumpet Airport, a key part of the 5.4 km elevated corridor designed to reduce traffic congestion in Secunderabad and surrounding areas.
The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) has been authorised to proceed with the construction of this six-lane tunnel after comprehensive reviews by the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and other competent authorities. The tunnel will pass through a sensitive airside zone of the airport, requiring careful attention to aviation regulations. HMDA must ensure that the construction complies with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards to meet the necessary strength requirements for the planned infrastructure.
As part of the approval process, the revised distances from the airport’s flight paths will be updated through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) to ensure that operations remain safe and efficient for Code C aircraft. This careful coordination highlights the balancing act between expanding urban infrastructure and maintaining air traffic safety. The entire elevated corridor project is valued at Rs 652 crore and spans several high-traffic areas, including Secunderabad, Tarbund, and Bowenpally Junctions.
By providing an expressway that bypasses these congested zones, the corridor aims to facilitate smoother connectivity, particularly for commuters heading to northern Telangana regions such as Medchal-Malkajgiri. The underground tunnel at Begumpet Airport and the elevated sections of the corridor are expected to significantly alleviate the traffic woes in the heart of the city.
With traffic density growing rapidly in these crucial sectors, the project is seen as a vital step towards improving mobility for both residents and visitors. By addressing one of Hyderabad’s most pressing issues congestion in key urban and transport corridors the project also reflects the city’s ongoing efforts to modernise its infrastructure while respecting the constraints imposed by aviation operations.
