Hyderabad: The long-anticipated project by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) to widen the congested roads of Old City is set to commence this year.
After being in the pipeline for three years, officials report that significant progress has been made, with the GHMC acquiring 752 properties to date and the state government recently approving an additional ₹200 crore for the initiative. To fully realise this ambitious project, the civic body still needs to acquire 1,824 properties and secure an additional ₹600 crore to ₹800 crore. “We are certain that we will roll out the project this year,” stated a senior official, expressing confidence in the project’s timely execution.
The road expansion project aims to broaden 30 distinct roads, including six Strategic Road Development Plan (SRDP) routes and connecting roads. In areas like Chandrayangutta, where road widths range from a mere 4 to 12 feet, the expansion will be particularly transformative. Key stretches in Falaknuma, Bandlaguda, and Saidabad are slated to be widened up to 100 feet, enhancing traffic flow and reducing congestion.
“We have issued cheques to 50% of property owners, and the remaining compensation will be completed in six months,” a senior GHMC official confirmed. The overall impact of the expansion will affect 2,576 properties, necessitating careful planning and execution to minimise disruption for residents and businesses. The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government had initially sanctioned ₹250 crore for the project, most of which has been utilised for property acquisition. This significant financial commitment underscores the importance of the project in alleviating the chronic traffic issues that have plagued Old City for decades.
The roots of this initiative date back to the early 1980s when the state government devised a comprehensive plan to expand Old City’s roads. Despite these early efforts, the road widths have remained largely unchanged for nearly four decades. The current project represents a critical step towards realising those early plans and addressing the infrastructural deficits that have hindered the region’s development. Officials highlight that the project’s success is imperative for ensuring smoother traffic flow and enhancing the quality of life for Old City residents. The GHMC is prioritising the completion of all road widening works, recognising the transformative potential of improved infrastructure.
As Hyderabad continues to grow, the need for robust and efficient urban infrastructure becomes increasingly pressing. The Old City Road widening project is a vital component of the city’s broader development strategy, aimed at fostering economic growth and improving urban mobility. In conclusion, the GHMC’s commitment to this project, coupled with substantial financial backing from the state government, marks a pivotal moment for Old City. With the groundwork laid and significant progress already achieved, the coming months will be crucial in translating these plans into tangible improvements on the ground. The successful completion of this project will not only alleviate current traffic woes but also set the stage for sustained urban development in one of Hyderabad’s most historically significant areas.
