Hyderabad: Traffic congestion in Hyderabad continues to intensify, even as infrastructure projects worth over 7,000 crore under the Hyderabad City Innovative and Transformative Infrastructure (HCITI) initiative progresses at a snail’s pace, with the majority of works remaining only on paper.Despite the state govt’s announcement of around 40 projects, including flyovers, underpasses, and various road-widening initiatives, nearly seven months ago, there has been minimal progress. Apart from laying foundation stones at a couple of locations such as Ameenpur under the HCITI scheme, actual construction has yet to begin, even after the tendering process was completed. In fact, some of these projects were sanctioned several years ago under the strategic road development plan.For instance, the construction of six flyovers and underpasses near Jubilee Hills and KBR Park requires the acquisition of 307 properties, yet not a single acquisition has been completed thus far. These flyovers and underpasses were sanctioned at an estimated cost exceeding 1,200 crore in Jubilee Hills. Previously, the civic body offered double the govt rate of 92,000 per square yard—i.e., 1.84 lakh—as compensation for land acquisition.‘Ensure smooth traffic flow’The GHMC has also proposed road widening from Virinchi Hospital to Jubilee Hills Checkpost. As part of the road development plan, a 6.5-kilometre stretch connecting Banjara Hills Road No. 12 junction near Virinchi Hospital to Jubilee Hills Checkpost via KBR is set to be widened. Currently, the road width ranges between 50 and 100 feet, and the GHMC intends to increase it to 100–120 feet in necessary sections to ensure smoother traffic flow.GHMC officials cite property acquisition as the primary hurdle. “Despite serving notices to property owners and designating these properties for acquisition, the actual acquisition process has yet to commence in Jubilee Hills,” said a senior official from GHMC’s town planning wing.Following a comprehensive traffic study undertaken by HMDA, aimed at critically evaluating current traffic loads and congestion levels in Hyderabad, the GHMC has devised an infrastructure development plan. This includes junction improvements with grade separators/flyovers, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, tunnel corridors, and stormwater drainage projects under the HCITI initiative.Recently, the GHMC secured financial assistance of over 2,600 crore for infrastructure developments under HCITI. This allocation covers a range of projects, including the construction of flyovers and underpasses. The budget allocation spans two quarters, running through to September. Authorities had even transferred 1,327 crore to the GHMC’s personal deposit (PD) account recently.
