HAML to Release ₹80 Crore for Property Owners as Metro Expands
The Hyderabad Airport Metro Rail Limited (HAML) is gearing up to disburse an additional ₹80 crore in property compensation for those affected by the ongoing construction of the 7.5-km stretch of the Old City Metro line, which will run from MGBS to Chandrayangutta. The compensation is part of the metro expansion project that aims to enhance connectivity across the city, especially in the busy and historic Old City area. As HAML works diligently to finalise the ownership documents, the compensation payout is expected to take place in the coming days, addressing concerns from property owners who had to part with their properties for the metro project.
Currently, the demolition of compensated properties is progressing rapidly, with 270 property owners having voluntarily handed over their lands and buildings for the metro rail construction. N.V.S. Reddy, Managing Director of HAML, has confirmed that the compensation process is being expedited, and the affected property owners will receive their dues soon. Reddy, speaking at the Hyderabad Metro Rail Bhavan during the 76th Republic Day celebrations, emphasised the importance of such compensation schemes to ensure that the metro project, which promises to revolutionise public transport in Hyderabad, does not leave its stakeholders at a disadvantage.
In addition to property compensation, HAML is moving forward with its long-term metro expansion plans. Reddy highlighted that the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the five proposed Phase-II corridors, which will include airport connectivity from various city zones, have already been submitted to the Central government. These corridors are crucial in the vision to transform Hyderabad’s metro network into a truly city-wide transportation system that can handle the increasing urbanisation and traffic congestion. The Chief Minister, A. Revanth Reddy, has also requested that the Union Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Manohar Lal Khattar, expedite the approval process for the DPRs to avoid any delays in construction. The proposed corridors include vital connections to Medchal and Shamirpet, expanding the network to meet the growing demands of the city’s residents and businesses.
The sustainability of this large-scale infrastructure project cannot be overstated. While the metro’s construction will provide a long-term solution to Hyderabad’s ever-growing transportation challenges, it also brings to light the necessity for a sustainable approach in terms of both the environmental impact and the social cost to residents. For the metro project to be truly sustainable, it is essential that affected residents are provided with adequate compensation and relocation assistance. Additionally, the metro itself promises to contribute to sustainability by reducing the city’s reliance on private vehicles, thereby lowering traffic congestion and pollution. The focus on public transport infrastructure not only improves the city’s mobility but also has the potential to curb Hyderabad’s carbon footprint, which has become a significant concern amidst the rapid urbanisation in the region.
Ultimately, as HAML prepares to release the ₹80 crore in compensation, the city’s residents will be closely watching how effectively the compensation process is handled and whether the metro project truly delivers on its promises of sustainability and urban development. With both the government and HAML working collaboratively on the metro’s future expansion, Hyderabad stands at the threshold of a transformative phase in its urban development journey. If executed well, this project could serve as a model for other cities aiming to modernise their public transportation systems while balancing the needs of residents and the environment.
