GHMC speeds up KBR Park flyover works despite hurdles
HYDERABAD: The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has accelerated construction of flyovers and underpasses under the KBR Park road improvement project despite pending legal and land acquisition issues. The civic body has begun works within the existing road limits while planning to address the remaining obstacles alongside construction.
The project has faced delays since 2016 because of litigation over tree felling and resistance from some landowners to acquisition. GHMC now aims to complete the project within the next 18 months. The project involves construction of flyovers and underpasses around the KBR Park corridor in two packages.
GHMC plans court approval and landowner compensation
GHMC Chief Engineer Sahadev Ratnakar said the project design prepared by the previous government had been revised to minimise the impact on KBR Park. As a result, the number of park-side trees proposed for removal has been reduced from 761 to nine. The remaining trees identified for removal were planted by GHMC along the roadside and are required for flyover construction.
Some residents have approached the Supreme Court against tree felling, following which the court directed that no trees be cut until the next hearing. Ratnakar said GHMC would explain the revised design before the court and seek permission for tree removal. He added that discussions were also under way with landowners who have not agreed to acquisition and that compensation would be offered through Transferable Development Rights (TDR) certificates.
Construction progresses at multiple junctions
Construction has gathered pace at several locations. Six pillars have been completed near the KBR Park junction. Excavation for underpasses is progressing at Basavatarakam Hospital and Maharaja Agrasen Junction. Foundations for two pillars of the proposed flyover have been completed at Jubilee Hills Check Post, while work has recently begun at Film Nagar Junction and Road No. 45 Junction.
The overall project is estimated to cost ₹1,090 crore, including ₹699.75 crore for construction and ₹390.25 crore for land acquisition.
