The unnecessary political intervention is applying breaks to the Hyderabad Metro Rail Project. There was a time when the L&T Company wants to quit the project due to this problem, but later it has agreed to continue despite three major changes suggested by the TRS government for realignment. CM KCR has assured to bear the additional burden. But, even then there is no progress in the project because the Congress, TDP and BJP have been warning that they will not let any changes in the project design.

“This present design of the project was finalized only after the experts committee submits the feasibility report. So was the 1st phase of the project completed with rapid pace without any problems. But, the TRS government is insisting for realignment in the project only to please its alliance partner MIM party so that it will return the favour in the forthcoming GHMC elections. So, we will not allow any changes in the project design,” said Congress MLA M Batti Vikramarka. TDP and BJP are also opposing any change in the design.

CM KCR has tried to convince the opposition parties that unless the project is realigned, several monuments and places of historical importance can’t be preserved. He said there is no political motivation in changing the project design.

While the ruling and the opposition parties are applying breaks, the project working costs are steeply escalating with each passing day. So far, L&T Company has spent Rs.4000 crores on this project and it has dump Rs.3000 crores more to finish the project with realignments. Even if it is ready to complete the project, political parties are placing hurdles in its metro line. According to latest reports, Telangana government has proposed 7.5 KM extension of the line in the Old City area that costs the company another Rs.1500 crores. So, it is planning to approach the Centre to bail for its help.

It is pity to see the political parties are creating hurdles like this. If, the project is delayed or discontinued they may not suffer anyway but it is people who have to carry the entire financial burden of the project.