After budget snub, Revanth Reddy knocks on Delhi’s doors with project wishlist

Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy met Union ministers in Delhi to seek support for major infrastructure projects, including the Musi Riverfront development, new rail corridors, and airports.

Hyderabad: Days after Telangana found little mention in the Union Budget, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy was in Delhi on Thursday, seeking the Centre’s support for infrastructure projects including Musi Riverfront development, rail corridors and airports. He pitched projects that require central clearances, land transfers and funding, to draw the Union government’s attention.

In his meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the Chief Minister sought the transfer of 100 acres of Defence land for the Musi River rejuvenation project. He invited Rajnath Singh to the foundation ceremony of the proposed Gandhi Sarovar project at Bapu Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were immersed. The project is part of the Musi Riverfront Development project.

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With Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Revanth Reddy pressed for full central funding of the Krishna-Vikarabad line, offering that Telangana would bear land acquisition costs. He also proposed 500 acres near Shamshabad airport for three high-speed rail corridors linking Hyderabad with Chennai, Bengaluru and Pune, and urged early initiation of land acquisition.

Meeting Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu, the Chief Minister sought expediting the Mamunur airport near Warangal, where land acquisition was completed. He requested approvals for the proposed Adilabad airport and promised additional land.

While Union ministers are said to have responded positively, the outcome will hinge on whether these assurances translate into budgetary backing, as the Union Budget made no provisions except for high-speed rail corridors. Congress MPs and senior officials accompanied the Chief Minister during the meetings.