Deadlock over Sultan Bazar realignment of Hyd Metro ends

Hyderabad Metro Rail project execution received a major thrust today with reaching of an agreement on a special package between traders, owners and hawkers operating in Sultan Bazar and officials.
The "breakthrough" was achieved at a meeting held at Metro Rail Bhavan, between HMR officials led by Managing Director, NVS Reddy and Traders' Joint Action Committee.
At the meeting, Reddy informed the gathering that Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao had directed HMR officials to arrive at a mutually agreeable special package to Badi Chowdi-Sultan Bazaar-Koti area, given its special place in history and culture of Hyderabad, an HMR release stated.

On the directive of the Chief Minister, the old charm of Sultan Bazaar shall be revived by HMR to regain its past glory, Reddy said.
Owners of the shops and establishments at Sultan Bazar had held protests demanding that the government protect the historic area, mainly comprising garment and textile shops, by realigning the Metro Rail Corridor-II.
They had observed a shutdown in November against the state government's decision to allow the elevated Hyderabad Metro Rail to pass through the area as per the original plan.

"In view of the narrow roads and pedestrian nature of Sultan Bazaar stretch of corridor-II, road widening will be minimal as a special case and no religious or other sensitive structures shall be touched by the widening," the release quoted Reddy as saying.

He said the Sultan Bazar stretch of about 250 metres (nearly 800 feet) will be developed as a 'hawkers paradise' with hawkers' facilities being designed below the Metro viaduct with platforms each measuring 6.6' x 3.3' with storage facility.
"In future these facilities will be converted into a night bazar as well," he said.
Officials also explained about the HMR's Relief & Rehabilitation Complex at Putlibowli, which will accommodate those traders of Sultan Bazar who will lose their shops for the metro project.
The HMR MD also indicated that the tenants whose livelihood was to be affected will be suitably compensated.

An assurance letter confirming the above package was handed over by the MD to the Traders' JAC.
"Overjoyed by the features of the R&R complex,
proposed hawkers facilities and special compensation package, the large gathering of owners, tenants and hawkers of Badi Chowdi, Sultan Bazaar and Putlibowli assured their full cooperation for smooth execution of Metro Rail project in this area," the release added.
L&T Metro Rail Hyderabad (L&TMRH), the concessionaire, is developing the 72-km elevated metro rail project here with three corridors and 66 stations.