HYDERABAD: The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has submitted a proposal to the state government, seeking an allocation of ₹5,700 crore in the forthcoming state budget. This funding is intended to accelerate urban development initiatives, address existing debts, and support welfare schemes within the city.
Breakdown of the proposed allocation
The GHMC has outlined the following distribution for the requested funds:
– H-city projects: ₹4,000 crore is earmarked for the Hyderabad City Innovative and Transformative Infrastructure (H-City) projects. These projects encompass the construction of flyovers, underpasses, and road over bridges (ROBs) to enhance urban infrastructure.
– Debt servicing: ₹1,200 crore is allocated under credit services to manage and repay existing debts.
– SC/ST sub-plan: ₹500 crore is designated for the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) Sub-Plan, aiming to fund welfare schemes for these communities.
Comparison with previous allocations
In the previous year, the GHMC had requested ₹3,300 crore but was allocated ₹2,650 crore by the state government, of which ₹1,326 crore was released. This year, the increased request of ₹5,700 crore reflects the GHMC’s ambition to expedite urban development and improve financial stability.
Focus on H-city projects
A significant portion of the proposed budget is dedicated to H-City projects, which are pivotal for the city’s infrastructure development. The GHMC plans to undertake 25 projects worth ₹7,032 crore, including the construction of flyovers, underpasses, and ROBs. Additionally, 13 road expansion projects are planned to alleviate traffic congestion.
KBR park infrastructure developments
Notably, the GHMC has proposed infrastructure enhancements around KBR Park, divided into two packages:
– First Package: Estimated at ₹580 crore, this includes the construction of two steel bridges and three underpasses at key junctions such as KBR Park Entrance, Jubilee Hills Check Post, and Mugdha Junction.
– Second package: With an estimated cost of ₹510 crore, this package involves building four steel bridges and four underpasses at junctions including Road Number 45, Film Nagar, Maharaja Agrasen, and Cancer Hospital.
Officials anticipate that approximately half of these funds will be allocated for structural construction, with the remainder designated for land acquisition. The target completion timeframe for these projects is set at one and a half years.
Development of a Master Plan for stormwater drains
As part of the H-City initiative, the GHMC has also decided to develop a comprehensive master plan for the improvement of stormwater drains (nalas). Previously, under the Strategic Nala Development Plan (SNDP), 37 nala works were initiated, with all but four completed. The new master plan aims to address both city and suburban municipal areas, with 41 works proposed at an estimated cost of ₹5,135 crore.
Awaiting government response
The GHMC’s proposal is currently under consideration, and the extent of the allocation in the upcoming state budget remains to be seen. The corporation is hopeful that adequate funding will be provided to facilitate the planned urban development and welfare projects, thereby enhancing the city’s infrastructure and quality of life for its residents.
