CM Revanth announces Bharat Future City, pledges to make Hyderabad India’s ‘First Net Zero’ city

New Delhi: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy announced plans to build ‘Bharat Future City,’ a globally-scaled urban centre, and committed to transforming Hyderabad into India’s first climate crisis-resilient and Net Zero city.

Addressing the Public Affairs Forum of India (PAFI) Annual Conclave, the Chief Minister outlined his strategic vision for the state's future.

Future city on 30,000 acres

CM Revanth detailed the first phase of the ‘Bharat Future City’ project, which will be built across 30,000 acres.

The new city will be divided into nine distinct zones, including dedicated areas for AI, health and education, aiming to set a new standard for urban development in India.

The CM elaborated on the ‘TelanganaRising 2047’ initiative, stating his ambition to grow the State’s economy to a dollar one trillion economy.

To achieve this, a comprehensive zoning strategy will be implemented: the area inside the 160 km Outer Ring Road (ORR) will be designated as a ‘Core Urban’ zone, the space between the ORR and the new 360 km Regional Ring Road will become a ‘Manufacturing zone,’ and the area outside the RRR will be focused on a rural economy.

Water and climate management

Emphasising the importance of water management in a climate-threatened future, CM Reddy said, “Only cities that can mitigate climate crisis risks have a future.” He highlighted plans for an ‘Urban Water Grid’ through the rejuvenation of the Musi River, lakes, and nallahs, which he stated would mitigate risks from drought and urban flooding.

Addressing several questions from the panel moderators and audience, CM Revanth said that the future would belong to cities that can manage the water and climate crisis best.

“We are creating an Urban Water Grid through River Musi rejuvenation, restoration and rejuvenation of lakes, and nallahs. Only cities that can mitigate climate crisis risks have a future. We will make Hyderabad India’s first city to mitigate risks from the Climate Crisis, including drought and urban flooding.”

Similarities between New Jersey and Telangana

On the sidelines of the conclave, Chief Minister Reddy met with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, where the two leaders agreed to foster systemic cooperation and bilateral investments.

The collaboration will focus on key sectors such as technology, life sciences, urban transit, and movies. Governor Murphy affirmed that ‘there are lots of similarities between New Jersey and Telangana states. Together, we can make a huge difference for each other’s economies.’

Trade discussions

The two leaders agreed to proactively bring trade delegations to each other’s States and augment the investments in both states for maximising the potential for wealth and job creation.

In another significant meeting, World Economic Forum (WEF) President Borge Brende pledged total support for the TelanganaRising vision.

“Your State is doing extraordinarily well in the last 12 months,” Brende said to the Chief Minister, who attributed the success to ‘just hard work and support from everyone.’ Brende has invited CM Reddy to the next WEF conclave in Davos and plans to visit Hyderabad soon to discuss further collaboration.

Support for Hyderabad’s public transport

NJ Governor Murphy also promised to give great support to Hyderabad’s urban and public transport sectors through the NJ Transit Authority. “From Metro to MMTS, Hyderabad public transport has received a big support from the New Jersey government. I thank Governor Murphy for this friendship,” said CM Revanth Reddy.

In a series of meetings with corporate leaders, Chief Minister Reddy secured new investment commitments.

Godrej announced plans to establish a new dairy plant with an investment of over Rs 200 crore to produce its Jersey Creme brand. Eli Lilly and Company, which recently inaugurated its Global Capability Centre in Hyderabad, agreed to set up a new manufacturing facility, with final details to be announced on October 6. Amazon, already a significant presence in the state, made three major commitments: aggressive promotion of Telangana’s SME sellers for exports, a specific focus on supporting women entrepreneurs through its "Kalakar" program, and the establishment of 100 air-conditioned relaxation centres for gig workers across Hyderabad.