Hyderabad’s ambitious vision for enhanced urban mobility is poised for a significant stride forward as the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) prepares to transfer a substantial 330 acres of government land to the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
This crucial land swap, serving as compensation for approximately 160 acres of defence land required for two vital elevated corridors, signals progress for a project designed to decongest key arteries and accelerate the city’s trajectory towards a more sustainable and efficient transport network. The two elevated corridors, spanning from Paradise Junction to Shamirpet and from Paradise to Dairy Farm Road on Medchal Road, are critical components of Hyderabad’s evolving urban infrastructure. HMDA officials confirm that the initial delay, attributed to the intricate procedural and clearance requirements associated with defence land, is nearing resolution.
A formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the MoD is the final precursor to the commencement of full-scale construction, a milestone eagerly anticipated by commuters and urban planners alike. In anticipation of this, preliminary works, including the construction of four underground sumps for water supply in cantonment areas and the finalisation of tenders for compound wall construction, are already in motion.
A notable aspect of this expansive infrastructure undertaking is the strategic integration of underground tunnels at Begumpet and Hakimpet airports. These sections will necessitate the acquisition of an additional 26 acres of land—one acre from Begumpet and 25 acres from Hakimpet—further demonstrating the project’s scale and complexity. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy had ceremoniously laid the foundation stone for these corridors last year, following the MoD’s in-principle approval, setting the stage for what promises to be a transformative development for the region’s connectivity and economic dynamism. The acquisition of private land, essential for the Shamirpet corridor (78 acres) and the Dairy Farm Road corridor (13 acres), is being meticulously managed through legal protocols and socio-economic surveys to preempt any potential disputes.
Crucially, the project’s environmental footprint is a paramount concern, aligning with the city’s broader commitment to a zero net carbon future. The elevated corridors will impact a total of 10,593 trees. However, in a concerted effort to mitigate ecological disruption, only 3,298 trees, predominantly of the subabul variety, have received approval for felling from the forest department’s tree protection committee. This cautious approach, particularly in light of past environmental controversies, underscores a heightened sensitivity towards urban biodiversity. Furthermore, 4,230 trees, including valuable neem species, are slated for translocation to designated green spaces such as Nehru Zoological Park and Hakimpet Sports School. An additional 3,095 trees, not directly obstructing the construction footprint, will be retained, reflecting a nuanced strategy to balance infrastructure development with environmental preservation.
The progress on Hyderabad’s elevated corridors, marked by the imminent land transfer and meticulous environmental planning, exemplifies the intricate dance between urban expansion and sustainable development. This project, once complete, is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion, lower vehicular emissions, and enhance overall quality of life for citizens, moving Hyderabad closer to its aspirations of becoming an eco-friendly, efficient, and equitable smart city. The careful navigation of land acquisition, particularly with defence entities and private landowners, alongside robust environmental considerations, sets a precedent for future large-scale urban infrastructure projects across the nation.
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