Old City Metro hit gets compensation cheques

People collected the cheques at the office of the special deputy collector for land acquisition. Though they were losing their properties, most of them expressed happiness for handing over their properties for the development of the Old City.

While initially the metro rail was supposed to connect Old City with Jubilee Bus Station in Secunderabad, the metro rail work was not taken up on the 7.5-km stretch from Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station (MGBS), denying the modern transport to the residents of the Old City.

The project was put on fast track after the Congress came to power. The Old City part of the metro rail is expected to cost Rs 2,741 crore and is likely to be completed in four years.

Speaking to this newspaper, the special deputy collector for land acquisition said the properties are being acquired under the Land Acquisition Act. While the notices were issued for 800 properties, 263 people have given their consent. Most of the affected property owners, who have given their consent, will be given their cheques shortly.”

“Before starting the work on the project, we conducted a sensitisation programme for people whose properties are going to be affected. They were affectionate and expressed their willingness to play their role in the development. The state government, too, increased the basic value from Rs 55,000 to Rs 81,000. We are giving up to Rs 800 square foot for structural loss, along with a relief and rehabilitation package, which includes Rs 6 lakh for the owner and Rs 6 lakh for the tenant, in case of commercial property. This all money is income-tax free,” the special collector said.