As the metro rail project is on its peak in many part of the city yet the metro line proposed in the Old City, which is the part of the Corridor II (JBS to Falaknuma) sees no progress.
Even the preliminary works such as soil test in the old city did not started. Apart from this the political and commercial factors over the realignment proposal further muddled the issue. In the given situation, it is impractical to include the Old City if we want to stick to the project schedule,” said a senior official.
While the CM in June last proposed two changes in the alignment near the assembly and Sultan Bazar in order to save the aesthetics of the heritage buildings and livelihood of the traders, the MIM too sought changes in the route in the Old City.
The Majlis party argued that the alignment, as originally planned, would result in the demolition of several mosques, dargahs, and ashoorkhanas. MIM demanded that the line can be passed along the Musi River between Darulshifa and Falaknuma, instead of passing parallel to Salar Jung Museum and the high court building.
“However, it would not be easy for the government to go ahead with MIM demand as the change of alignment can happen only at a huge cost” said an L&T official. Off course we would not demolish the religious structure instead we may relocate the structures, but the political parties are not letting our plans to go ahead, the officer added.
According to sources the government and L&T are not in a position to bear this extra burden for the new proposed plan by the MIM. “It is convenient for govt to put the idea of extending the project to the Old City on the back burner, at least for now,” said the MA&UD official.