Metro Phase II expansion hits roadblock as Revanth blames Kishan Reddy

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has indicated that the Congress government’s plan to fast-track Hyderabad Metro Rail Phase II may be shelved, blaming Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy for creating hurdles.

Hyderabad: The much-touted plan of the Congress government to fast track the Hyderabad Metro Rail phase II is likely to be put on a backburner. The Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy dropped this bomb shell at a public meeting here on Sunday, while trying to throw the entire blame on the BJP government at the Centre.

During his speech at the public meeting at Uppal, the Chief Minister accused the Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy of creating obstacles to the project.

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Following the Union Government stipulation that the entire Phase 1 Metro network be operated by a single entity to take forward the Phase II expansion and for secure funding, the government had acquired complete equity in L&T Hyderabad Metro Rail for Rs 1,461 crore. It also took over responsibility for refinancing the company’s debt of Rs 13,558 crore.

The debt was refinanced through a loan of nearly Rs 13,651 crore sanctioned by the Indian Railway Finance Corporation. The takeover had raised expectations that Metro expansion works would be accelerated.

However, in the Sunday’s public meeting, Revanth Reddy said the proposals for Metro expansion over 122 were submitted to the Centre for extending Metro services from Nagole to Shamshabad via Chandrayangutta.

The Chief Minister said “after all permissions were received, a Union Minister from here is creating hurdles. A situation has now arisen where the project may come to a halt.”

Revanth Reddy said he visited Delhi 50 times and met PM Narendra Modi five times during the past two-and-a-half years seeking approvals for projects and funding.

“Is it not Kishan Reddy’s responsibility to secure approvals for the Musi project, Metro expansion and construction of the Regional Ring Road?” he sought to shift the blame to the BJP.

The Chief Minister also raised the issue of paddy procurement. He said the State had procured 75 lakh metric tonnes of paddy, while the Centre was willing to procure only 50 lakh metric tonnes.

“Where should the remaining 25 lakh metric tonnes be taken and to whom should these stocks be handed over?” he asked.

The Chief Minister threatened to teach a lesson with a political action to the BJP saying there will definitely be an action plan after June 15. He also alleged that Devendra Fadnavis was delaying approval for the Tumiddihatti project at the instance of Kishan Reddy.

Calling for cooperation among political parties, the Chief Minister urged BJP and BRS leaders to work together for Hyderabad’s development over the next two years.

“I could not develop the Malkajgiri parliamentary constituency in the past. But I assure people that development works will be taken up in all seven Assembly segments in the parliamentary constituency,” he said.

Revanth Reddy also announced that the second phase of the Musi rejuvenation project, from Nagole to Gowrelli, would be launched within the next 100 days.

Bandari Raji Reddy statue announced

Interestingly, the Chief Minister recalled that Uppal Elevated Corridor was named after former MLA late Bandari Raji Reddy. A statue of Bandari Raji Reddy would also be established at the junction and all arrangements would be made for the purpose, he announced.

“His brother Bandari Lakshma Reddy is now a BRS MLA. If I had any political agenda, why would I name the elevated corridor after Bandari Raji Reddy,” Revanth Reddy asked.