‘Hyderabad to rival Tokyo, New York’: CM Revanth pushes Centre for swift clearance of infra projects

Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Tuesday pitched for robust and swift Central Government assistance, asserting that Hyderabad is not competing with other Indian states but with global metropolises like Singapore, Tokyo and New York.

Speaking at the Regional Meeting of Urban Development Ministers for South-West States, chaired by Union Minister for Housing and Urban Development Manohar Lal Khattar in Hyderabad, the Chief Minister sought immediate approvals and financial support for several game-changing infrastructure projects.

The ‘Game Changer’ projects

CM Reddy highlighted a slew of projects he deemed critical to realising the state’s global vision and requested the Union Minister’s immediate intervention:

- Musi River Rejuvenation Project: A flagship project intended to transform the riverfront, which the CM previously likened to the Sabarmati riverfront.

- Metro Rail Phase-II Expansion: Support and clearance for the second phase of the Hyderabad Metro Rail.

- Godavari Water Diversion Scheme: Plans to lift River Godavari water to Hyderabad to meet the city’s rapidly growing water demands.

- Regional Ring Road (RRR): Assistance for the crucial infrastructure project aimed at decongesting and developing the surrounding region.

The Chief Minister noted that many of these key development projects were pending Central approval and requested the Union Minister to grant permissions immediately.

Setting global economic benchmarks

The CM used the platform to outline the state’s ambitious economic vision, aligning it with the ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ goal set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

- Economic Targets: “We are working with the aim of making Telangana a $1 trillion US dollar economy by 2034 and a $3 trillion-dollar economy by 2047,” CM Reddy announced.

- National Contribution: He stated the government’s expectation for Telangana to contribute 10 per cent of the country's economy in the coming decades.

- Vision Document: The ‘Telangana Rising 2047 Vision Document,’ a blueprint for this rapid development, is set to be officially released on December 9.

Future City

CM Reddy also briefed Minister Khattar on the state's initiatives aimed at sustainable and futuristic development. Discussions included:

Bharat Future City: A proposed ‘game changer’ new city development aimed at attracting global investments.

Dry Port: A proposed dry port to bolster the state’s economy and logistics, given its landlocked status.

Green Initiatives: Zero carbon emission measures, including promoting EV vehicles and pressing 3,000 electric buses into service in Hyderabad in the coming year.

Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Andhra Pradesh Minister for MAUD P Narayana, the Telangana Chief Secretary, and other dignitaries were present at the regional meeting.

A series of appeals

CM Revanth Reddy’s request to Union Minister Khattar on Tuesday is one in a series of appeals made to the Central Government since assuming office, emphasising the need for federal cooperation to achieve the state's ambitious development goals.

The Chief Minister has consistently raised the issues of Metro Rail Phase-II, Musi Rejuvenation, Regional Ring Road (RRR) South, and the Dry Port in his meetings with Central leaders.

CM Reddy previously met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi, specifically seeking approvals for the Metro Phase-II project (estimated at Rs 24,269 crore) and financial assistance (previously cited as Rs 20,000 crore) for the Musi River Rejuvenation Project.

He also appealed to Union Minister Khattar in a separate meeting earlier this year, urging the sanction of 20 lakh houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and Central consideration for the Rs 17,212 crore Comprehensive Sewerage Master Plan (CSMP) for Hyderabad.

Following criticism from opposition parties over his frequent trips to the national capital, CM Reddy has publicly defended his actions, stating, “Not 39 times, I will fly 99 times to Delhi. Every time I visit the capital, clearances are being secured for different projects and issues.”