Hyderabad: The govt renewed its commitment to the ‘Future City’ project, and outlined ambitious plans for an overhaul of Hyderabad’s road network, water supply and stormwater drains by earmarking significant allocations in its budget for the 2025-26 financial year.
“With Hyderabad experiencing rapid growth, the govt is implementing the H-CITI plan to strengthen urban infrastructure and efficiently manage increasing traffic congestion. As part of the first phase, we initiated the construction of 31 flyovers, 17 underpasses, and 10 road expansion projects with an estimated investment of ₹7,032 crore. Beautification projects worth ₹150 crore are in progress,” deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said in his budget speech.
An amount of ₹5,942 crore was earmarked for an Integrated Stormwater Drainage Project, which was approved to enhance flood management and prevent waterlogging, ensuring better urban resilience, he said.
Comprehensive master plan
On the prestigious Future City, which is being developed in 765 sq km in the southern part of the city, the govt said it would become India’s first Net-Zero future city, setting a new standard in sustainable and smart urbanisation. “Designed to rival the world’s top cities, it will be an eco-friendly, ultra-modern metropolis and will feature state-of-the-art infrastructure, cutting-edge technology, and a pollution-free environment and will be developed between Srisailam and Nagarjunasagar highways,” the govt said.
The govt has allocated Rs 100 crore for preparation of a master plan for the future city. The master plan will ensure multimodal connectivity, electric public transport, green buildings and a sustainable and smart living ecosystem. The Future City Development Authority (FCDA), established by the govt, will oversee the master plan’s preparation.
“It will also house specialised zones such as an AI city, pharma hub, sports city, and a cleane energy innovation zone, making it a global hub for technology, industry, and sustainable development,” the govt said.
The govt launched an initiative called SPEED (Smart, Proactive, Efficient, and Effective Delivery), in order to fast-track 19 key projects such as the metro rail expansion, Musi riverfront development, construction of the new Osmania hospital building, Telangana Bhavan in Delhi, and regional ring road, and the implementation of anti-narcotic strategies. CM Revanth Reddy is monitoring these projects on priority basis.
With the GHMC elections expected to be held towards the end of this year, Congress corporators and leaders were expecting a largesse in the budget. However, of the total allocated budget of the municipal administration department of Rs 17,677 crore, the city has been allocated about Rs 12,000 crore. Projects such as the Musi rejuvenation and Phase II of HMR have not been made any allocations, and funds for these are expected to be raised from various agencies and from the Centre.
The state govt has not made any allocation for the Musi rejuvenation project in the state budget, which is initially estimated to cost about Rs 50,000 crore. Official sources said the govt has sent a proposal to get funds from the World Bank for Rs 4,100 crore, and a proposal to the Centre seeking its nod. Hence, it has not proposed any funds in the budget. Similarly, the govt is also trying for finance from other external agencies. In the speech, the finance minister said under the Musi Riverfront Development Project, the govt is planning to revitalise the Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar reservoirs by replenishing them with Godavari water through the Godavari Drinking Water Supply Scheme. This initiative aims to restore the ecological balance of these reservoirs while securing a sustainable water supply for the future.
The govt has not made any allocation for Hyderabad Metro Rail’s Phase II, as the govt is planning to take financial assistance from institutions like Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and is also seeking financial assistance from the Centre. The govt estimates that around Rs 25,000 crore would be required for Phase II, and detailed project reports are being prepared.
The govt said the water supply project to the villages and colonies abutting the Outer Ring Road under Phase 2 is in progress. The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB) started the construction of four sewage treatment plants (STPs) with a total capacity of 20 MLD at Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar reservoirs, ensuring efficient wastewater treatment and improved water quality.
Major desilting drive
For the first time in decades, the Water Board launched an extensive desilting and cleaning initiative to restore neglected manholes and sewer lines. As part of this effort, 3,025 km of sewer lines were cleaned, and 2.39 lakh manholes were desilted. This largescale operation led to a 25% reduction in sewerage-related complaints, significantly improving urban sanitation, drainage efficiency, and public health.
The ORR Phase-2 Water Supply Project is now in its final stage, ensuring drinking water supply to urban areas within the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) limits. For the growth and development of newly-established municipalities and urban development authorities across the state, a ₹4,500-crore investment plan was devised. This funding will be systematically utilised over the next three years to enhance essential urban infrastructure, ensuring well-planned, sustainable, and modernised urban development, the finance minister said.
