Complete Metro Rail project as scheduled: CS to officials

Hyderabad, Jan 12 (INN): Chief Secretary Dr. Rajiv Sharma conducted Special Task Force (STF) meeting on the progress of Hyderabad Metro Rail project on Tuesday.

The Chief Secretary informed the heads of departments that Hyderabad Metro Rail is a prestigious project and is even drawing the attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He stated that the Prime Minister recently reviewed the progress of Hyderabad Metro Rail project during the PRAGATI meeting (video conference) held to review the progress of iconic projects across the Country. The Prime Minister has shown keen interest on Hyderabad Metro Rail project during the review, since it is a world's largest project being executed in PPP mode and advised HMRL and L&TMRHL to complete the project as per schedule.

HMR Managing Director NVS Reddy made a detailed presentation on the progress of the works being executed by L&TMRHL. In his presentation, Reddy highlighted the areas where L&TMRHL can accelerate the progress of work.

The Chief Secretary observed that L&TMRHL is taking more time in shifting of utilities and construction of Metro Rail pillars, stations etc., at some locations and it needs to complete these works in a time bound manner. He instructed L&TMRHL to restore the dug up roads on priority for easing traffic by completing the utility shifting work at the earliest. He has also advised L&TMRHL to accelerate the progress of Metro works at several places as indicated by MD, HMR.

While reviewing the status of acquisition of properties, the Chief Secretary observed that out of balance 67 properties for 27 properties awards have been finalized and are in cheque disbursement stage. He has directed Collectors Hyderabad and RR districts to complete the acquisition process of the balance properties on priority even though these properties are meant for road widening, to facilitate better traffic movement.

On the request Hyderabad Police Commissioner, Rajiv Sharma instructed L&TMRHL to speed up the Metro Rail station works and complete them in a time bound manner to ease traffic movement. He also directed them to come up with specific target dates for completion of all Metro stations.

The Chief Secretary advised Special Chief Secretary of Municipal Administration & Urban Development to convene a joint meeting with MD, HMR; C&SO, GHMC and Commissioners of Police, Hyderabad and Cyberabad to study the feasibility of multi level parking facility and better traffic management at road level for all the Metro Rail stations and to come up with a detailed report.

Top officials of State Government and heads of various departments participated in the meeting.