Telangana Cabinet grants Rs 60,000-cr expansion of Hyderabad Metro Rail, second airport at Hakimpet

HYDERABAD: Just before the commencement of the last Assembly session of the current Telangana Government, the State has announced a slew of major announcements including Rs 60,000 crore for expansion of Hyderabad Metro Rail in multiple directions and merging of 43,000-odd employees of TSRTC into Government service.

Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao made these decisions at a Cabinet meeting on Monday. Disclosing the details of the Cabinet on Monday, Minister for Municipal Administration K T Rama Rao (KTR) said that the State Government had proposed the construction of a double-decker track for Metro Rail and motor vehicles between Jubilee Bus Stand and Tumukunta, as well as between Patny and Kandlakoya, providing enhanced transportation facilities to commuters.

In a move that aimed to enhance the aviation infrastructure, the State Government proposed to request the Centre to convert the Hakimpet Airport, currently operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF), into a hybrid model, making it accessible for civilian operations as well. The State Government allocated 253 acres of land for a new airport in Warangal, further boosting regional connectivity.

Additionally, the Government undertook measures to provide social security to various sections. The Cabinetapproved the inclusion of Beedi workers in pension scheme, offering financial support and assistance during their retirement years.

To strengthen educational opportunities, the Government set forth plans to establish eight new medical colleges. Once completed, Telangana would become the first State in the country to have a medical college in each district. The Government aimed to create a South India Centre dedicated to the Kapu Community, promoting regional cultural and educational initiatives.

In a historic decision, the Telangana Cabinet decided to merge the employees of Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) into the State Government. As many as 43,373 TSRTC employees would become Government employees, and a sub-committee was constituted to frame guidelines for the merger. The Government would introduce a Bill to affect this change in the upcoming Assembly session. 

The Cabinet also discussed the damage due to heavy rains. Bhupalpally, Mulugu, Hanmakonda, Nirmal, Adilabad, Khammam and Kothagudem districts were affected by heavy rains. The Cabinet decided that immediate relief should be provided to those affected.

The Cabinet also decided that Rs 500 crore would be released for relief operations and repair of the damaged roads.

"As many as 27,000 people have been shifted to relief camps. Rehabilitation will be provided to all of them. Cabinet praised two officials of the State Energy wing who would be felicitated at Independence Day celebrations on August 15," a Cabinet note said.

"Since the monsoon has been delayed, it has decided to provide seeds and fertilisers immediately to farmers. As many as 41 died due to heavy rains. Ex gratia will be given to their families. Crops were damaged and all silt got deposited. The damage will be enumerated," the note added. 

The Cabinet has also announced the nomination of Dr Sravan Dasoju and former MLA Kurra Satyanarayana as Members of Legislative Council (MLCs) under the Governor's quota.

To address the needs of vulnerable sections of society, the Government was set to introduce a new Orphan Policy, treating all orphans as children of the State, thereby ensuring their welfare and protection, KTR said.

The Cabinet also resolved to reintroduce three Bills, previously returned by the Governor, in the upcoming Assembly session starting on August 3, aiming to bring these vital legislations into effect. The Governor would be left with no option but to consent to the three Bills passed once again and re-sent, as per the Constitution.

The State Government would appeal to the Centre to generously contribute and participate in the massive metro rail project that would elevate Hyderabad into a global city. If the Centre agreed, “We will welcome it. Else as a coalition Government will come in 2024 at the Centre, and the BRS would play a key role then, we will influence the new Government to accede to our request,” said KTR.