Secunderabad to Madhapur HMR phase dragging

Hyderabad: The Secunderabad to Madhapur phase of the Hyderabad Metro Rail has come across a major road block in the form of the Padmahamsa Apartments at Secunderabad. The occupants, who were supposed to vacate and hand over the land for phase one, have stayed put as the matter is in court.

The owners had protested against the change in the re-alignment of the route. Earlier, the route towards St. John's Church Junction (East Marredpally) was supposed to take a right, leading to Sangeet crossroads, occupying some portion of the Iskcon temple and a few square yards of private properties.

However, after the re-alignment, the Metro is now supposed to go over the temple and the 20-year-old apartment will have to make way for the pillars, which the residents are against.

“In 2013, the Hyderabad Metro Rail issued a notice to Padmahamsa Apartments owners, stating that 456.62 sq. yard was needed for the Metro; the viaduct was supposed to cut across the property and the temple. Following an appeal, they issued a draft declaration that only 241.28 sq. yard would be required. However, in 2014 they sought 749.66 sq. yard, which means 21 out of the 40 flats, the A Block, will have to go. This will divide the entire structure. The earlier plan was to go through the temple,” said the apartment owners.

Metro Rail managing director N.V.S. Reddy said, “The curvature at St. John’s junction is very sharp and the Metro Rail cannot take such a steep turn, the present alignment is correct. The viaduct is 40 feet above the road.”