HYDERABAD: In a step forward for Hyderabad’s Metro phase 2 expansion, compensation cheques were distributed to property owners affected by the project in the Old City on Monday. Transport minister Ponnam Prabhakar and MP Asaduddin Owaisi handed over the first batch of cheques at the district collector’s office.
The govt today paid 20 crore compensation to 41 owners of 34 affected properties. Modern facilities such as sky walk, footpath etc. will be provided from the metro stations to tourist areas like Charminar, Lad Bazaar and Salar Jung Museum. The seven and a half kilometre Old City Metro is expected to be completed in four years with an estimated cost of 2,741 crore. In total, a compensation of about 1,000 crore will be paid for a total of 1,100 properties.
Hyderabad Airport Metro Limited (HAML) Managing Director NVS Reddy revealed that 169 out of 1,100 affected property owners along the MGBS-Chandrayangutta route have already submitted consent letters. “Most property owners are coming forward willingly, but properties under joint ownership will take some time,” Reddy stated.
Speaking about the compensation negotiations, Reddy explained, “We started with an initial offer of 65,000 per square yard, while property owners demanded 1.5 lakh. After careful deliberations, we arrived at 81,000 per square yard.” The package also includes rehabilitation benefits as per the Relief and Rehabilitation Act.
The district administration completed ownership verification for 40 properties, making them eligible for immediate compensation. “All compensations are being disbursed in accordance with the Land Acquisition Act,” Reddy emphasised.
Looking ahead, Reddy announced upcoming construction activities: “In the next few days, we’ll begin erecting barricades at Falaknuma along the median and start identifying utilities for shifting.” This marks the beginning of ground-level work for the much-anticipated metro extension.
Expedited under chief minister Revanth Reddy’s instructions, the MGBS-Chandrayangutta corridor (Corridor-6) will significantly improve connectivity in the Old City area.
District Collector Anudeep Durishetty, who determined the negotiated compensation rate, was also present at the cheque distribution ceremony. More property owners are expected to come forward in the coming weeks.
