Alignment changes may extend Hyderabad metro by 3.2 km

Cost escalation estimated at Rs 2,500-3,000 crore

Hyderabad metro rail may likely be extended by 3.2 km if the Telangana government goes ahead with the alignment changes in the old city area.

Speaking to mediapersons here today, Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMR) managing director NVS Reddy said:"The local representatives in the old city have proposed an alternative route to the government. If it is accepted by the state government, its (the metro rail) length would go up by 3.2 km."

Reddy, however, said there would not be any change in the metro's length due to the alignment changes in the busy Sultan Bazar and near the Assembly.

According to the initial plan, the metro was designed to cover a length of 72 km across three corridors in the city.

To a query on the compensation to the project concessionaire (L&T) due to the proposed new alignment, he said,"Whatever they are (changes), the government of Telangana will compensate L&T for that".

Earlier, speaking to mediapersons, L&T Hyderabad Metro Rail Ltd chief executive and managing director VB Gadgil said the Hyderabad metro rail was estimated to face a cost escalation of Rs 2,500-3,000 crore, mainly on account of rising costs of borrowing. The project was initially estimated at Rs 14,132 crore.