ORR toll tenders: HMDA's process blamed for losing Rs 15,000 crore; CM Revanth orders probe

Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has ordered a thorough investigation into the anomalies in the Outer Ring Road toll tenders.

He was angry about the way low-bid contracts were held down to reduce the enormous amount of money owed to the state.

HMDA came under fire from CM

Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) came under fire from the chief minister for releasing the minimum rate before requesting bids. He instructed the officials to investigate and identify the parties, and fix responsibilities.

Revanth Reddy entrusted HMDA joint commissioner Amra Pali with the task of providing comprehensive information regarding the anomalies, protocols adhered to, and relocation methods.

CBI to investigate HMDA report

The chief minister asked the officials to file complaints against the relevant officials and staff members right away if any files about this issue turn out to be missing. He said the issue of these tenders will be discussed in the cabinet. He said the matter would be handed over to the CBI or a comparable investigative body upon receipt of the complete report from HMDA.

CM was chairing a review meeting with the HMDA officials at Dr BR Ambedkar Telangana Secretariat, Hyderabad.

The officials told the chief minister that the outer ring road generated annual revenue of Rs 600 crore before the tenders, with the highest amount of toll paid each month. Under such circumstances, he inquired as to how the IRB company came to be acquired for a mere Rs 7,380 crore when the government would have received an income of Rs 18,000 crore over 30 years. HMDA's tender process was primarily blamed for the government losing about Rs 15,000 crore, according to estimates.

It was discussed that HMDA made a Detailed Project Report (DPR) with two companies and chose DPR which would cause a loss of government revenue. The chief minister opines that the facts will be unearthed if a thorough investigation is done on this matter. He asked the officials to look into the winning company's dealings by presenting the contract agreement with the government and giving foreign corporations a 49 percent stake.

Design plans for Hyderabad’s development

Revanth Reddy also asked the officials to design plans for Hyderabad's development, treating the area inside the outer ring road as a single entity. He recommended progressively expanding HMDA's purview to the Regional Ring Road and developing radial roadways to link the Regional Ring Road and the Outer Ring Road. In the rapidly developing surrounding towns as well as the established city, he stated, the most important priority should be given to building the essential infrastructure.

HMDA told to protect ponds under its ambit

In line with the Master Plan-2050, the chief minister recommended hiring a special consultant to draft a vision statement for the city's development. He stated that the ponds under the HMDA should be protected and, on the other hand, landfilling should be accelerated. To coordinate efforts for landfilling and place development, he advised the officials to enlist the assistance of the District Collectors as needed. The officials told the chief minister that there are about 8,374 acres of land parcels under HMDA. Out of these, 2,031 parcels are in court cases at various stages.

Protect HMDA lands from alienation

Revanth Reddy suggested the officials protect the HMDA lands from alienation and mapping of the land should be done using digital and GPS methods. Measures should be taken to increase the income of HMDA for the places under their jurisdiction and suggest that officials focus on the income from advertisements. During the meeting, it was discussed that special officers should be appointed to ensure that land fouling, land parcels, ponds, and ponds are not encroached upon. The chief minister suggested that one IPS officer should be appointed at the DIG level and two SP rank officers should be given responsibility.