Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy said the state followed “smart governance” rather than just good governance while outlining plans for Hyderabad’s development in the Legislative Council.
During a discussion on city development, the Chief Minister said five metro cities held national importance. He pointed to pollution in Delhi and disruptions in Mumbai due to rains, thereby highlighting urban challenges.
He described Hyderabad as a “lakes and rock city” and stressed its distinct identity. Moreover, he clarified that what is now called the Old City remains the original core of Hyderabad.
Chief Minister outlines smart governance approach
According to the Chief Minister, human errors caused many of the city’s current problems. As incomes rose, vehicle numbers increased sharply, which in turn worsened traffic congestion.
He recalled that authorities shifted the airport from Begumpet to Shamshabad to ease pressure. Similarly, to reduce congestion at Secunderabad railway station, authorities opened the Cherlapalli terminal.
He expressed concern that Hyderabad Metro slipped from second position in the country to ninth. Therefore, he said, the government adopted the ‘Cure, Pure, Rare’ policy to address urban challenges.
Under this approach, the government plans to shift polluting industries beyond the Outer Ring Road. Subsequently, it will use the freed land for multi-zone development.
The Chief Minister said L&T did not support metro expansion plans. Hence, the government took over the metro following advice from the Centre.
He noted that cantonment restrictions caused inconvenience for people travelling from north Telangana. To address this, the government planned elevated corridors at Punjagutta, Hitec City, and Jubilee Hills.
In addition, he said planners were preparing measures to ensure signal-free traffic movement at major junctions across the city.