Telangana High Court ordering a temporary halt to construction work on Metro Phase 2 Corridor-6. The court cited the lack of a mandatory heritage impact assessment as grounds for the stay, bringing attention to the risks posed to several historically significant sites in the city.The order pertains specifically to the stretch between MGBS (Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station) and Chandrayangutta, a densely populated corridor that also runs close to architectural and cultural landmarks. These include the Charminar, Falaknuma Palace, Mughalpura Tombs, Darul Shifa, and Azakhana-e-Zehra — all recognised as heritage structures under state protection.
The court’s decision came in response to a public interest litigation filed by a citizen representative of a local welfare organisation. The petition argued that under the Telangana Heritage Act, it is mandatory for authorities to conduct a comprehensive heritage impact assessment before any construction is undertaken near protected monuments or precincts. The petitioner claimed that this requirement had been overlooked by the state and the implementing agencies.A bench comprising the Acting Chief Justice and another senior judge observed that despite nine adjournments since the case was first filed on 31 January 2025, the state government had yet to file a counter-affidavit. In view of this delay, the court granted a final extension of three weeks to respond — but simultaneously imposed an interim stay on all civil work related to the project segment in question.
The High Court’s directive once again raises concerns about how infrastructure projects in India are often rushed through without adequate environmental or heritage safeguards. Hyderabad, known for its architectural richness and cultural legacy, is particularly vulnerable to poorly planned urban development. The heritage structures now under scrutiny are integral not just to the city’s historical narrative but also to its identity and appeal as a tourism destination.Urban planners and conservationists argue that the city’s growth cannot come at the cost of its irreplaceable heritage. While modern transport systems like the metro are vital for reducing congestion and promoting sustainable mobility, the lack of regulatory diligence undermines both public trust and long-term viability. The heritage impact assessment — a globally accepted urban planning tool — helps identify risks and propose mitigations when major construction occurs near historically or culturally sensitive areas.
The pause in Metro construction may delay the city’s infrastructure goals, but it also provides an opportunity to recalibrate development strategies that respect Hyderabad’s unique urban character. The case underscores the need for harmonising modern infrastructure development with historical preservation, especially in cities where past and future intersect so visibly.Going forward, this legal intervention could influence how similar projects across Indian cities are conceived, reviewed, and executed. The court’s insistence on accountability from public authorities sets a clear precedent that heritage-sensitive planning is not just advisable — it is legally enforceable.
The state’s next steps — particularly whether it carries out the required assessments and proposes a reworked alignment or mitigation strategy — will determine not only the fate of Corridor-6, but also the credibility of its commitment to responsible urban development.
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