Hyderabad Metro’s Phase 2 Expansion Takes Shape with Revised Plan
The Phase 2 expansion of Hyderabad Metro, which aims to significantly enhance the city’s urban mobility network, has undergone some changes. Originally planned to cover 116.4 km across five corridors, the revised plan now focuses on a 76.4 km stretch, with the proposed fourth-city connectivity temporarily on hold. This shift in direction aligns with the immediate urban mobility needs of Hyderabad. Let’s take a closer look at the key highlights, construction innovations, and challenges associated with this crucial project.
Initial Corridors: Prioritizing Old City Expansion
The Phase 2 expansion of Hyderabad Metro will commence with the 7.5-km Old City corridor enlargement, extending from MBGS to Chandrayangutta. This crucial expansion will involve land acquisition and demolition works, which are scheduled to begin by the end of 2024. By focusing on the expansion of this corridor, authorities are ensuring that urban mobility needs in heavily populated areas are met.
Construction Innovations to Expedite the Process
One of the notable changes in the phase 2 expansion is the introduction of ‘double U’ girders for construction. This innovative method allows for faster construction when compared to the use of box girders in phase 1. By adopting improved construction techniques, authorities aim to expedite the project’s completion and reduce inconveniences caused by construction activities.
Hyderabad’s First Double-Decker Flyover
A key feature of the Phase 2 expansion is the construction of a double-decker viaduct, spanning 1.6 km near Madinaguda. This flyover will seamlessly integrate the Metro system with existing road networks, providing convenient solutions for both Metro and road traffic. Hyderabad’s first double-decker viaduct symbolizes the city’s commitment to integrating various modes of transportation and developing efficient transport systems.
Challenges Faced in Northward Expansion
Despite the progress made in the expansion project, the connectivity to Medchal, through the northern corridor, has faced delays due to right-of-way requirements set by the Union government. The lack of a 90% compliance with the right-of-way requirement has posed challenges and temporarily hampered the planned connectivity to Medchal. Steps are being taken to address this issue in order to provide seamless connectivity across all corridors.
Transitioning to a Joint-Venture Financial Model
A financial shift is also underway for the Phase 2 expansion of Hyderabad Metro. The project is transitioning from a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to a Joint-Venture (JV) model. This change aims to alleviate the financial burden on the project by reducing the annual interest burden from ?1,300 crores to a manageable 2%. Additionally, the joint-venture model allows for a repayment window of 40 years, providing more favorable conditions for the financing of the project. This transition in the financial model ensures the successful and sustainable implementation of the expansion project.
Upon completion, the Phase 2 expansion is expected to serve eight lakh passengers daily, significantly enhancing the urban mobility network of Hyderabad. The revised plan, innovative construction methods, and integration of a double-decker flyover reaffirm Hyderabad’s commitment to developing modern and efficient transport systems. It is hoped that all challenges will be overcome, further improving the connectivity and convenience for the residents of Hyderabad.
