Hyderabad’s Old City Metro project kicks off; land acquisition, demolitions along 7.5 km at decisive stage

Hyderabad: The long-awaited Metro Rail link to Hyderabad’s Old City has entered an active preparatory phase.

Hyderabad Airport Metro Limited (HAML) Managing Director NVS Reddy has said that land acquisition and demolition along the 7.5-km alignment are “at a decisive stage,” with nearly the entire right-of-way now available.

Land Acquisition and Compensation

Initial estimates placed 1,100 properties in the impact zone; engineering revisions have since reduced that number to 886. Over 550 demolitions have been completed, and Rs 433 crore has been paid in compensation to owners. Clearance of the remaining sites is underway.

Push under CM’s directions

Acting on Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s instructions have accelerated groundwork to fulfill what officials term a “long-cherished aspiration” for Old City residents. Despite rains, festivals, and Muharram, activities have progressed with minimal disruption.

Digital mapping for accuracy

The corridor is being mapped using Differential GPS (DGPS) integrated with earlier drone surveys. High-precision GNSS signals establish control points, ensuring the exact positioning of pillars and stations.

Utility relocation and road widening

The master plan calls for widening the arterial road to 100 feet, requiring diversion of water, sewage, stormwater, electricity, and telecom lines. Agencies such as GHMC, Water Board, TGSPDCL, and BSNL are coordinating, while Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) surveys locate buried utilities.

Geotechnical & Heritage Safeguards

Soil strength and groundwater levels are being analysed through geotechnical investigations to guarantee foundation stability. Sensitive heritage sites along the alignment have been identified, and pillar locations are adjusted to protect them. Milestone markers every 100 metres now delineate the final route.