Telangana HC hears PIL seeking halt to Metro works in Charminar, Falaknuma precincts
HYDERABAD: A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Act Public Welfare Foundation has sought an immediate halt to construction of Hyderabad Metro Rail Phase-II, Corridor-VI, in heritage-sensitive areas, including Charminar and Falaknuma Palace precincts.
A division bench of Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice Ghouse Meera Mohiuddin began hearing the petition, which challenges the project’s potential impact on notified heritage structures in the Old City.
Heritage risks cited; halt sought pending assessment
The petitioner argued that the proposed Metro alignment threatens the structural and cultural integrity of several heritage sites. It urged the court to suspend all works on Corridor-VI until an independent Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) is conducted.
The plea also sought strict compliance with the Telangana Heritage Act 2017 and the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958. It asked authorities to explore alternative routes that avoid protected structures such as Purani Haveli, Azakhana-e-Zehra, Jama Masjid Darulshifa and Moghalpura Tomb.
The foundation further contended that the absence of prior assessments violates constitutional protections relating to culture and religion.
Court notes administrative aspects in Metro execution
During the hearing, Chief Justice Singh drew a legal distinction on administrative measures involving Hyderabad Airport Metro Limited, listed as the seventh respondent in the case.
Old City Metro link remains contentious
The dispute reflects a long-standing conflict between infrastructure expansion and heritage preservation in Hyderabad’s Old City. A 5.5 km stretch from MGBS to Falaknuma, part of the original Green Line, remained stalled for years due to alignment challenges in densely populated, heritage-rich areas.
Under the current plan, the stretch has been incorporated into Phase-II as Corridor-VI, aimed at improving connectivity, including links towards the airport. However, the route passes through areas associated with the Qutub Shahi and Asaf Jahi eras.
A key issue raised in the PIL is the removal of “Regulation 13”, a rule that earlier provided safeguards for heritage buildings. Activists have argued that its deletion has weakened protections, increasing the risk of damage from large infrastructure projects.
While the Metro project is expected to ease congestion and boost economic activity, heritage advocates maintain that the Old City’s cultural landscape is a non-renewable asset and requires scientific assessment before construction proceeds.
