Hyderabad Metro’s much-awaited expansion is finally in progress, marking a significant step toward modernizing public transport in one of the city’s most densely populated areas. The proposed project will provide better connectivity to people staying in the Old City as well as shorter travel time through various key locations. Let’s dig deeper into the major infrastructure development.
A Long-Awaited Expansion
It will join MGBS with Chandrayangutta. It will link the Old City to the vast network of the metro in the city of Hyderabad. It is part of the elevated track system in the second phase and covers up to 7.5 kilometres across some critical areas: Shalibanda, Falaknuma, and Chandrayangutta.
Originally, it was supposed to be part of the first phase. However, because of the property acquisition issues and alignment disputes, it was delayed by several years. Years of planning are finally being implemented and address some of the major concerns of residents and commuters in the Old City.
Demolition and Road Widening for Metro Pillars
Full swing work along Mir Alam Mandi Road opposite to Charminar where demolitions are happening near metro pillars and viaducts and metro stations. All the roads leading up to those places need widening roads for infrastructure development, including supporting structures of elevated tracks of metro.
This region will witness the most drastic change with the upgradation of roads and the metro components. The work on Mir Alam Mandi Road is expected to improve the overall urban mobility, which will not only modernize the traveling experience for people residing in the area but also for visitors.
Economic and Social Impact
The metro extension will have great impact on the region, in that it does not only add better transportation facilities but also gives economic development on the Old City side. The metro rail is to boost local businesses, make access easy to key areas, and provide an interconnected city.
This, as the HAML officials opine, is of a very great necessity for the Old City in general and integrating with the overall Hyderabad public transportation network. As managing director, HAML NVS Reddy observed: “This is long due to the expansion plan for Old City and integrating into Hyderabad’s modern public transport network.”
Compensation Plan and Property Compensation
During the expansion process, properties along the route are being acquired, and compensation has already been disbursed to property owners affected by the project. In the first phase, 41 property owners received compensation worth INR 20 crore. As the project progresses, a total compensation package of approximately INR 1,000 crore is expected to cover 1,100 properties.
Much welcome to these owners are the payback, whereas for the local residents, the project has turned out to be a mixed blessing. Most feel that the metro should be developed, but destroying all the properties becomes difficult. According to a resident, “We feel it hard to accept demolishing our own properties, though we understand development needs. Better connectivity in this area is an answer to wait and look forward for.”
Preservation of Heritage with Development
The greatest challenge in the development process is amalgamation with modern infrastructural development that retains Hyderabad’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. Maximum care and attention have been given to the heritage buildings of Old City, and metro alignments are made in such a manner that leaves least damage to these invaluable buildings, thereby preserving the area’s history.
This reflects the commitment of a city to understand and embrace modernization without losing its special cultural heritage.
Benefits for Commuters
The completion of the metro will significantly reduce distance traveled from Old City to any other place in Hyderabad. Transfers in populous regions will have smoother and faster transportation that put passengers into main stations all around town. It is going to open up many more accessible means to destinations. More mobility would enhance getting to work, to schools and learning institutions, or just to business locations.
Besides this, the subsequent expansion phases of the metro will connect directly to the airport, increasing the ease and convenience for travelers.
A Step towards a Modern, Connected Hyderabad
An important landmark in Hyderabad’s history as it relates to the city’s urban development starts with the fact that metro expansions begin from its Old City, for with its metro rail system, it aims at finding a future towards modern infrastructural integration in these historical places into better life-quality and enhanced conditions of mobility through the cities.
Conclusion
The transformative changes the metropolitan expansion of Hyderabad would bring to the Old City are going to be enormous. The reduced travel time and therefore improved connectivity along with economic growth will drive this project to be one of the largest to modernize the city’s transportation infrastructure. As the work begins, residents and commuters alike can look forward to a more connected and efficient Hyderabad.
This will turn out to be a turning point for Hyderabad, as the old city joins the metro network, bringing with it the prospect of better urban development and commuting. The wait is finally over and the fruits of this expansion are going to enjoy thousands of people in the next few years.
Refer :
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For more updates on the latest developments in Metro trains, check out our article on : Proposed Sahakarnagar Metro Station to Enhance Pune’s Transit