AAI-cleared underpass under Begumpet Airport runway likely to be done in 8 months

Hyderabad: In a major push to the city’s urban infrastructure, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has recently approved the construction of an underground underpass beneath the runway at Begumpet Airport.

Speaking to NewsMeter, a senior official from HMDA, on condition of anonymity, said that the project, as per guidelines, is to be completed and made operational within eight months from the commencement of work.

“In case of delays, officials indicated that an additional two to three months may be sought,” the officer said.

What is the project about?

The officer said that the project includes constructing a 600-metre-long, six-lane underpass beneath the Begumpet Airport runway. This forms a critical segment of the proposed 5.4-km elevated corridor connecting Paradise Junction to Military Dairy Farm Road (NH-44).

Work to proceed at night

“Constructing an elevated structure near the runway was not feasible due to aviation safety norms, making the underground alternative essential for maintaining both connectivity and safety. AAI has permitted the execution of underpass works during nighttime,” the HMDA official said.

The clearance removes a key hurdle for the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), allowing it to move ahead with a crucial elevated corridor project aimed at easing congestion in northern parts of the city.

What is the significance of the project?

The proposed corridor will pass through key localities including Secunderabad, Tadbund and Bowenpally before terminating at Dairy Farm Road.

Once completed, the project is expected to significantly improve traffic conditions by eliminating sharp turns along the Tadbund stretch, ensuring smoother vehicular movement and reducing congestion on one of the busiest routes in the city.

Key link in two major corridors

The HMDA is currently executing two major infrastructure corridors—Paradise Junction to Shamirpet and Paradise Junction to Dairy Farm Road. The Begumpet runway underpass is a crucial component of the Paradise–Dairy Farm Road corridor, strengthening connectivity across these stretches.

Land acquisition underway

For the project, land acquisition involves both defence and private holdings.

The requirements include 42 acres of defence land and 13 acres of private land for this stretch. Across both corridors, the total land requirement stands at 114 acres of defence land and 78 acres of private land, indicating the scale of the infrastructure push.

Rs 5,106 crore project with NDB funding

The project will be financed by the New Development Bank (NDB), with the total estimated cost pegged at Rs 5,106 crore. Of this, around Rs 3,574 crore (approximately 70%) will be funded by the NDB, while the state government will contribute Rs 1,532 crore.