Centre, State Reach Consensus on Hyderabad Metro; SBICAPS Appointed Consultant for Phase-I Takeover, Phase-II Expansion
New Delhi, June 24 (TNT): The Telangana government and the Centre on Tuesday reached a consensus on the takeover of Hyderabad Metro Rail Phase-I and the implementation of the proposed Metro Rail Phase-II project, with both sides agreeing to appoint SBICAPS as a consultant to prepare a comprehensive roadmap for the future course of action.
The decision was taken during a series of meetings held by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy with Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy in New Delhi.
According to official sources, the Chief Minister briefed the Union Ministers on the challenges associated with the takeover of Metro Rail Phase-I and the launch of Metro Rail Phase-II. Discussions were held over two consecutive days, culminating in a consensus between the State and Central governments.
At a high-level meeting held at the residence of Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Tuesday morning, the leaders agreed to appoint SBICAPS as a consultant to undertake a detailed study of Hyderabad Metro Rail Phase-I and the proposed Phase-II expansion.
The consultant has been tasked with assessing the valuation of Metro Rail Phase-I, examining modalities for raising funds required for the takeover, identifying suitable lending agencies and preparing a detailed report on Metro Rail Phase-II, including expansion plans, project costs and financing options.
The State and Central governments will determine the future course of action based on the recommendations submitted by the consultant.
To ensure smooth coordination and expeditious completion of the study, both governments also agreed to nominate senior officials as nodal representatives. A senior official from the Union government and the Special Chief Secretary of Telangana’s Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) Department will serve as coordinating members and facilitate interactions with the consultant.
Officials said the latest discussions marked a significant step towards resolving pending issues concerning Hyderabad Metro Rail and advancing plans for the next phase of metro expansion in the city.
TNT KS
