The Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL) is set to undergo a government-funded expansion. The Telangana cabinet has approved the proposal to expand the metro by over 300 km at an estimated cost of Rs 69,100 crore. This expansion is expected to be implemented within five years. NVS Reddy, the managing director of HMRL, stated that the preliminary project report will be submitted within four months, followed by the Detailed Project Report (DPR).
Reddy emphasized that the estimated cost of Rs 69,100 crore is not an underestimation. He explained that since the metro is elevated, it can be constructed at a lower cost compared to cities like Mumbai, Chennai, or Bengaluru, which require underground stretches. This is because the Hyderabad Metro does not require property acquisition for half of the project, as a 25-meter right of way has already been dedicated along 156 km of the Outer Ring Road (ORR). To further reduce costs, the height of the viaduct could be kept low at 3 meters above ground level and at grade level whenever possible.
Reddy also mentioned that the project is still in its early stages. The preliminary project report is expected to be submitted in four months, but changes may occur after the preparation of the Detailed Project Report. He added that this expansion is likely to be funded by the government, unlike Phase 1, which was a public-private partnership, unless the government decides otherwise.
