Proposed sub-urban services include Falaknuma-Shamshabad; Tarnaka-ECIL; LB Nagar-Hayath Nagar; Miyapur-Patancheru; Jubilee Bus Stand-Alwal and Nagole-LB Nagar

Hyderabad: Roads and Buildings Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao on Thursday informed the Telangana Legislative Assembly that the State government intends to expand the Metro Rail coverage to sub-urban areas of Hyderabad city. Replying to a question raised by MLA M Sudheer Reddy and others, during Question Hour, the Minister said the proposed sub-urban services include Falaknuma-Shamshabad; Tarnaka-ECIL; LB Nagar-Hayath Nagar; Miyapur-Patancheru; Jubilee Bus Stand-Alwal and Nagole-LB Nagar.

However, he said preliminary proposals on these routes are yet to be prepared.  The Minister also informed that the issues related to Metro Rail works at Assembly building, Sultan Bazar and Old City were still under consideration. He said the study was on to extend the Metro Rail services from Kalapather PS-Aliabad Water Reservoir-Falaknuma and a decision on this route would be taken only after the receipt of feasibility report, and after holding consultations with the local elected representatives.

Clarifying on the launch of Metro Rail, Tummala said there was no agreement with the L&T that the first phase should be launched by Ugadi (March 21). However, at State government's instance, the L&T had agreed to launch the first phase from Nagole - Mettuguda by Ugadi and the same has been put off due to technical reasons.  Speaking on the issue, MLA Sudhir Reddy demanded the Metro Rail services on Ghatkesar-Medchal routes in view of traffic problems.

MIM MLA Maozam Khan wanted to know when the works on Metro Rail would begin in the Old City and also sought clarification on the MIM's proposal on new corridor. He alleged that the government was deliberately neglecting the Old City. BJP floor leader K Laxman condemned the postponement of first phase of Metro Rail and said the L&T had successfully conducted trail runs on the Nagole-Mettuguda route. He also sought clarification on the status of Metro Rail project in the Old City.