Hyderabad: In a push to ease traffic congestion around the Secunderabad Cantonment, the GHMC and Defence Ministry officials held a high-level meeting to fast-track the transfer of 42.20 acres of Defence land required for constructing alternate roads around the AOC Centre.
These roads, part of the Rs 960 crore H-City project, are aimed at providing civilian connectivity while bypassing restricted military zones.
Strategic roads to ease Cantonment Traffic
Several internal roads within the Secunderabad Cantonment have remained closed to the public for years due to security concerns, forcing thousands of commuters to take longer, congested routes.
The Telangana government’s H-City initiative aims to resolve this issue by building alternate roads around the AOC Centre, connecting key residential and commercial areas such as Sainikpuri, Alwal, Malkajgiri and Yapral.
The proposed road network is expected to significantly ease traffic pressure and reduce commute times for residents in northern Hyderabad, without interfering with Defence operations.
Rs 960 crore sanctioned for infrastructure works
To support the H-City road development, the State government has sanctioned Rs 960 crore.
GHMC officials said the tendering process for the project will begin shortly. However, key to moving forward is the acquisition of specific Defence land blocks that fall within the proposed alignment of these alternate routes.
Defence seeks equivalent land exchange
At the meeting held at GHMC headquarters, Defence officials led by Brigadier SK Chetti, Director (Land & Legal), reiterated that under Ministry of Defence norms, any land transferred must be compensated with land of equal value elsewhere.
GHMC Commissioner RV Karnan assured that efforts are underway to identify and allocate equivalent parcels of government land to facilitate a smooth handover. He stressed the urgency of resolving the issue to avoid delays in starting construction.
Focus on timely execution and coordination
“The project is a priority not just for better connectivity, but also for maintaining a balance between civilian needs and Defence security,” said Karnan. “We are working in close coordination with Defence officials to ensure that road works are executed in a time-bound manner.”
He added that the new road network would serve dual purposes—easing urban traffic while respecting the sensitivities of Defence zones, especially in areas with operational restrictions.
Long-pending connectivity solution nears reality
The meeting marks a major step toward resolving a long-pending civic issue in Secunderabad. With Defence and civic authorities aligned on the need for alternate routes, officials expressed optimism that the land exchange and road construction will move forward without further hurdles.
The H-City road network, once completed, is expected to benefit lakhs of daily commuters and improve overall mobility in and around Secunderabad Cantonment.
