Telangana cabinet gives nod to Rs 60,000 crore metro expansion plan
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Hyderabad: The Telangana State Cabinet has approved a massive plan for Metro rail expansion, with an estimated investment of Rs 60,000 crore.
The announcement was made by Minister KT Rama Rao, also known as KTR, during a media address following a six-hour-long Cabinet meeting held under the leadership of Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao.
Minister KTR also unveiled the details of the proposed routes. The project envisions a double-decker Metro rail corridor between Jubilee Bus Station and Tumkunta, with one layer dedicated to vehicular movement and the other for the Metro. The extension of Metro on various routes such as Patny station to Kandlakoya and Isnapur to Miyapur to Lakdikapul was also given the green light.
The approved Metro rail expansion project aims to enhance transportation infrastructure in the state and is expected to be completed within the next 3-4 years. Minister KTR expressed hope for support from the central government, similar to the assistance extended to other states. However, he emphasised that the state government is determined to proceed with the project even if external support is not received. He also hinted at the possibility of forming a coalition government after 2024, in which the BRS (Bharatiya Rashtravadi Samanta) party would play a pivotal role.
In another key decision, the Cabinet recognised all Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) staff as government employees. A sub-committee, headed by Telangana Finance Secretary Ramakrishna Rao, along with officials from various departments, will work on formulating the necessary rules and regulations for this recognition. Approximately 43,383 TSRTC staff members are set to benefit from this decision, and the government will introduce a bill in the upcoming assembly session to finalise the process.
The Cabinet meeting also addressed the devastating impact of heavy rains and floods that occurred from July 18 to 28, causing significant losses and hardships to people in around ten districts of Telangana. To provide immediate relief and aid in rehabilitation efforts, the Cabinet has allocated Rs 500 crores for infrastructure, farming lands, and other necessities in the flood-affected regions. The government will also assist in rehabilitating the 27,000 individuals affected by the floods. The families of the deceased will receive ex gratia payments.
The Cabinet also approved providing adequate land to the Airport Authority of India for an airport in Warangal and is also requesting the central government to facilitate passenger aircraft at the Hakimpet Airport.
The Cabinet has also approved the establishment of a Horticulture University in the Mahabubabad district and TIMS super specialty hospitals in Gaddiannaram, Sanathnagar, Gachibowli, and Alwal. The Cabinet also paved the way for eight more medical colleges. The state aims to offer medical education in each district, making Telangana the first state in India to have a medical college in every district.
The Telangana government also intends to recommend the names of former MLA Kurra Satyanarayana and Dasoju Sravan for the Member of Legislative Council (MLC) post under the Governor's quota.