Hyderabad Metro Phase 2 DPR faces Centre–State deadlock
Hyderabad: A stalemate has emerged over the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Hyderabad Metro’s second phase. While the Centre says it has not received a proper DPR so far, Hyderabad Airport Metro Rail Limited (HAML) officials maintain that a comprehensive report was sent a year ago and that they are responding to queries raised by the Union government.
The prolonged exchange between the two governments has left commuters uncertain about the project’s future.
Kishan Reddy links approval to Phase 1 takeover
Union minister Kishan Reddy, addressing reporters in New Delhi, said funds earmarked under the Union urban development ministry are available. However, he added that the state government must first clarify its stand on the Hyderabad Metro project.
He said the Centre would grant Cabinet approval to the DPR once the state completes the takeover of Phase 1 from Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and submits a comprehensive transaction report.
In a recent letter to Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, Kishan Reddy stated that a joint committee of Union and state officials has not yet been formed for the Phase 1 takeover. He said the Centre had sought names of two officials from the state, but no proposal has been received.
Phase 1 takeover cited as hurdle
L&T has expressed its intent to exit Metro operations citing financial losses, prompting the state government to initiate steps to take over the entire Phase 1 project.
Audits are under way regarding land parcels allotted to L&T under the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) policy and related transactions. HAML officials aim to complete the process by March.
The state government has urged the Centre to approve the Phase 2 DPR and release funds before the takeover process concludes. However, the Centre has refused to consider the request.
State leaders, during visits to Delhi, have pressed for early approval at least for corridors ready for construction. Congress leaders allege that while projects in BJP-ruled states receive swift approvals, proposals from Telangana are being delayed for 14 months. They criticised the absence of allocations in the latest Union Budget.
