KCR launches Metro phase-II project to connect Raidurg to Shamshabad airport

Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Friday laid the foundation stone for Hyderabad Metro phase-II project connecting Mindspace junction to Shamshabad airport. This 31-km long project will cost approximately Rs. 6,250 crores.

KCR said that no matter where a passenger boards the metro, they will be able to reach the airport in 25-30 minutes.

He also pointed out that footfall at the Hyderabad airport has increased. "Soon there will be a second runway in Shamshabad airport. Additionally, there will also be metro connectivity."

The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) has contributed Rs. 623 crores for the Hyderabad Airport Metro Ltd., while GMR contributed Rs. 623 crores (10% of the development amount).

KCR said that nearly 4 lakh people use to the metro every day. With the development of phase-II, he said more people will use the metro services.

"Metro is the answer to multiple traffic and pollution issues. There is need for metro at various places in and around Hyderabad, in places like BHEL, ORR, and more. Even without the help of the Union government, we will continue to develop the metro so that all parts of the city are connected," he said.

Stating that Hyderabad is a true "cosmopolitan city," KCR said, "The city has been impacted less by natural disasters such as earthquakes. It is also home to people of various religions, culture, caste, etc."

He said that the city faced many problems when it was still a part of United Andhra Pradesh. "Now, we have turned Hyderabad into a Power Island," he said.

Here's what phase-II has in store:

Earlier, N.V.S Reddy, the MD of Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL), said the phase-II project will also have underground stations. He further said the phase-II works will be completed smoothly over the next three years.

As per sources, the metro line will continue from Raidurg and pass via Khajaguda, Nanakramguda, Manchirevula and Shamshabad, before finally connecting the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport.

The metro is projected to connect the airport to the main city in only 20 minutes.

Another part of phase II will connect BHEL directly to Lakdikapul and will pass through Kondapur and other major areas in between, HMRL said.

A line to connect LB Nagar to Nagole has also been proposed as part of phase-II.

The phase-II project from BHEL to Lakdikapul will cost Rs. 8,453 crores.