Hyderabad Metro Phase-II gets Centre nod in principle; 50:50 cost-sharing proposed
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
The Centre has signalled in-principle approval for the Hyderabad Metro Phase-II project, with Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy confirming on Wednesday, 20 May that the Central government has no objections and is prepared to proceed on a 50:50 cost-sharing basis with the Telangana government. The announcement followed a high-level meeting between Kishan Reddy and Union Minister for Urban Development Manohar Lal Khattar in New Delhi.
Key Developments from the New Delhi Meeting
The two ministers jointly reviewed several urban infrastructure projects in Hyderabad under the Union Ministry of Urban Development, covering urban development, infrastructure, sanitation, and public transportation. The Hyderabad Metro Phase-II expansion featured prominently on the agenda.
Khattar noted that since the Telangana state government has already taken over metro operations from L&T, the Central government will now comprehensively examine the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and all related technical specifications for the remaining Phase-II works before arriving at a final decision.
What the Phase-II Expansion Covers
The Telangana government has submitted proposals for the Phase-II metro expansion covering a stretch of 162 km. Khattar confirmed that the Centre will give these proposals 'positive consideration' and initiate the necessary follow-up actions. The equal cost-sharing framework, if formalised, would mark a significant financial commitment from both governments toward expanding Hyderabad's urban rail network.
Musi River Sanitation: ₹3,975 Crore AMRUT 2.0 Push
The meeting also addressed the long-standing issue of Musi River pollution. According to Kishan Reddy, Khattar shared details of a major sanitation initiative under the Centre's AMRUT 2.0 scheme, under which 39 Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) have been sanctioned at a total cost of ₹3,975 crore.
These 39 STPs will collectively treat 972 million litres of sewage per day, preventing untreated wastewater from flowing into the Musi River. The initiative is expected to contribute to both river conservation and improved sanitation across the city.
Centre's Broader Commitment to Hyderabad
Khattar reiterated that the Central government is extending full cooperation toward Hyderabad's urban development and infrastructure improvement. Kishan Reddy, who represents the city in Parliament, thanked the Urban Development Minister on behalf of Hyderabad's residents.
This comes amid growing pressure on both the Centre and the Telangana state government to accelerate urban infrastructure spending as Hyderabad's population and commuter load continue to expand. With the DPR review now formally initiated, a final approval decision on Phase-II is expected in the coming months.