Hyderabad secured nearly one-third of the estimated capital expenditure — ₹10,000 crore — of the budget for its development.
Published Jul 25, 2024 | 5:40 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 25, 2024 | 5:40 PM
Finance Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka presenting the Telangana Budget. (X)
In the Telangana Budget for the fiscal 2024-2025, announced on Thursday, 25 July, state Finance Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka — who is also the deputy chief minister — has earmarked a significant chunk of the funds for infrastructure development.
The minister announced the setting aside of funds for the extension of Hyderabad Metro Rail to Old City and Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Shamshabad. The budget also allocated funds for the Musi Riverfront development.
The state budget was tabled in the Assembly two days after the 2024-25 Union budget.
With an estimated capital expenditure of ₹33,487 crore, the budget falls short by ₹4,000 crore from the previous full budget by the BRS government.
The budget’s primary focus was on “Abhaya Hastham,” the Congress government’s six guarantees which were promised in its Assembly election manifesto.
Above that, the minister made some key infrastructure project announcements to propel the state’s economy.
Hyderabad secured nearly one-third of the estimated capital expenditure — ₹10,000 crore — of the budget for its development. Vikramarka credited the city as a key driver for Telangana’s growth, deeming such an investment necessary
During his budget speech, the finance minister reiterated the priority accorded to the Musi Riverfront development project by the Congress government.
“Through the Musi Riverfront development project, we can effectively solve the complex problems encountered in water management. Infrastructure facilities can be improved in an environment-friendly manner,” he stated.
Allocating a whopping ₹1,500 crore from the budget, he stated it would propel development across 110 km of urban area.
Furthermore, he said the Musi Riverfront development project is modelled after the Thames Riverfront Project in London. Asserting that it is a milestone in Hyderabad’s history, he stated a socio-economic/enjoyment survey with 33 teams from the revenue department was underway.
Adding a renewed focus on the Hyderabad Metro, the Finance Minister announced the much-awaited extension to RGIA allotting ₹100 crore.
He also announced the extension of the metro to Old City, a long-running demand of the cultural hub’s residents, and allocated ₹500 crore.
“With these aims, the government is proposing to develop 78.4 km of 5 extended corridors with an outlay of ₹24,042 crore,” Vikramarka announced.
Additionally, he also proposed the extension of existing metro corridors from Nagole to LB Nagar. The government is also planning the development of interchanges at Nagole, LB Nagar, and Chandrayangutta stations.
The government further allocated ₹50 crore for developing the Multi-Modal Transport System (MMTS) services in the city.
Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) got an allocation ₹3,065 crore alongside ₹500 crore for the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA). Metro Water Works was allocated ₹3,385 crore apart from the ₹200 crore for the Hyderabad Disaster Relief and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA).
₹200 crore was allocated to develop the Outer Ring Road (ORR) in Hyderabad while the Regional Ring Road (RRR) would be developed with an allocation of ₹1,525 crore.
The government intends to upgrade 347.6 km in the Northern and Southern roads into National Highways.
“In view of the increasing power demand of the state and to reduce transmission losses and strengthen the grid network, an investment of ₹3,017 crore is proposed for the construction of 11 new Extra High Tension (EHT) sub-stations and 31 Extra High Voltage (EHV) power transformers during this financial year,” Vikramarka announced.
He also announced the setting up of the Telangana Skill University in Hyderabad.
Informing that it would be established through the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model, he said the institute would provide 17 different industry-linked courses.
₹500 crore was allocated for the infrastructure development of various universities across the state. From that, ₹100 crore would be allocated for Osmania University, ₹100 crore for Telangana Women’s University, and the rest would be shared among Kakatiya University in Warangal and other remaining universities.
The government also decided to complete the construction of 6 out of the 31 pending irrigation projects. They’ve targeted the completion of another 12 projects within the next year.
“We are planning to extend the fibre grid facility to the remote areas in Telangana. This will not only enable the internet and cable network facilities for the people there but will also be useful for the tourists coming to remote areas, aiding eco-tourism development,” he announced.
While detailing the plans for the Panchayati Raj and Rural Development ministry, the finance minister announced the plan to provide road connectivity to interior villages and habitations.
Similarly, the government plans to lay Bituminous (BT) roads for all ST thandas, gudems, and chenchu pentas.
Additionally, he informed that the Union government permitted road widening and the construction of elevated corridors in the Secunderabad cantonment area.
To promote Electronic Vehicles (EVs), the government intends to set up 100 additional charging stations to the existing 450 in Greater Hyderabad.
The finance minister said that permission from the Union government to set up the Indian Institute of Handloom Technology (IIHT) and a Centre of Excellence for Technical Textiles in Telangana was pending.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil)
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