HYDERABAD: When Hyderabad Metro rolled out from Miyapur on its maiden run in November 2017, a large section of onlookers was from the Old City who had travelled from as far as Chandrayangutta, Rethibowli and Sultan Bazaar to witness the city’s new set of wheels on tracks.
For many who turned towards home after the launch, it was as if the Old City had been left in the past on the platform while rest of Hyderabad was on a ride towards its future.
“I remember looking at the Metro and feeling that people from the Old City have missed the bus. Although locals had initially opposed it, by the time the Metro started everyone wanted it as they could see the benefits,” said Abu Bakar, a student from Golconda.
But from 2008 when it was proposed, Hyderabad Metro has faced many derailments even before it could reach the tracks.
The opposition from locals and traders in Old City was the biggest hurdle, as many feared loss of property and religious structures. After several meetings, opposition from Sultan Bazaar traders was tackled and a plan was rolled out with alignment readjustments.
However, the 5.5 km stretch from MGBS to Falaknuma via Dar-ul-shifa, Ashoorkhana, Mandi Road still remains on paper.
“...Many who initially opposed it are ready to hand over properties. But now there is no clarity on the project,” said Mohammad Zubair Ali, a blogger from Charminar.
Metro sources too have revealed that the Old City plan was uncertain.
“L&T has clearly said that with so much of losses, they are not keen on completing the project. The government is working on an alternative. But as of now the fate of the MGBS-Falaknuma route hangs in the balance,” a source close to the matter said.
