Hyderabad Gears Up For Second Phase Of Metro
Soon a larger number of residents of Hyderabad will be able to avail the services of the Hyderabad Metro. Recently, the Telangana state government ordered for the fast track construction of the second phase of city's Metro network for which the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is preparing and will in next five be submitting the Detailed Project Report (DPR) .
Connecting the upcoming areas
The plan is to spread the Metro coverage to 60 km and connect the important and upcoming residential and commercial hubs with the city's railway stations and airport. Various routes under this phase are being contemplated. Let's take a look:
BHEL- Lakdi Ka Pul
The Hyderabad Metro Phase II will be connecting some of the busiest areas of the city. Starting from the BHEL Township in Medak, the Metro route will head to Miyapur via Madinaguda Junction. The line will be further extended to Lakdi Ka Pul, one of the most congested crossroads of Hyderabad. The Metro line would pass through Chandanagar, Madinaguda, Hafeezpet, Kondapur, Botanical Gardens, Gachibowli, Khajaguda junction, HS Darga, Shaikpet, Salarjung Colony, Reti Bowli, Mehdipatnam, NMDC and Masab Tank to reach Lakdi Ka Pul. While most of these are old and established localities of the city, the upcoming connectivity would boost property market of these areas, especially the rental values.
Raidurg to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport
According to media reports, this specific route will be connecting the upcoming IT hub with the international airport via Gachibowli, one of the prominent localities of Hyderabad and home to various multinational companies. Gachibowli will also work as an interchanging station between the two lines, connecting to the Lakdi Ka Pul-BHEL route, as well. The direct Metro connectivity from the airport will further ease travel for those who commute daily from the extended southern suburbs, the rising affordable housing hubs. While the alignment is yet to be finalised, there is a high probability that Raidurg-Shamshabad Metro line would pass through Telangana Police Academy, Peeranchuruvu in Himayathsagar and Rajendra Nagar. The route is expected to be 28-30km long. A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) — Hyderabad Airport Metro Limited (HAML) — has been formed for the immediate implementation of the plan. In the SPV, the Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited would have a majority share of 51 per cent share while Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority would hold 49 per cent share.
Acquiring land parcels
According to media reports, the state government has reviewed the availability of land for Metro rail depots for Phase II with collectors of Ranga Reddy and Medchal-Malkajgiri. According to an estimate, nearly 70 acres is needed either at BHEL or Chandanagar and another 60 acres for Raidurg-Shamshabad route. The state government is scouting land near Budvel for the depot. Another six-acre land will be required for parking and circulation at each station. Since the routes and alignments have not been finalised yet, the government may add some more lines after considering various factors, including travel demand, financial viability and others.
With inputs from Housing News