Hyderabad: The Telangana state Cabinet approved the Hyderabad Metro government takeover from L&T, sanctioning Rs 13,000 crore in loans and a Rs 2,100 crore one-time settlement to complete the process.
Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy announced the decisions after a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. He said the Hyderabad Metro government takeover of Phase-1 would be completed before March 31, 2026.
According to the minister, the government decided to bring the entire Phase-1 project under its direct control. Additionally, the Cabinet resolved to take up Metro Phases 2 and 3 with participation from the Union government.
The minister said the Hyderabad Metro government takeover marked a major infrastructure decision aimed at strengthening public transport in the capital.
Hyderabad Metro government takeover and health policy
The Cabinet also approved a cashless health scheme for employees and pensioners. Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy described it as a historic welfare measure.
Under the scheme, about 7.56 lakh employees and pensioners will receive insurance coverage up to Rs 1.25 crore. The policy will follow the Singareni and Genco model and will not require any upfront payment from beneficiaries.
Furthermore, the Cabinet decided that if a government employee below 60 years dies a natural death, the family will receive an additional Rs 10 lakh as financial assistance.
The minister said the state Budget session would be held from March 16 to March 30. The Budget will be presented in the Assembly on March 20.
Hyderabad Metro government takeover among key Cabinet decisions
The Cabinet cleared several infrastructure and land allocation proposals. It approved allotment of 239 acres at Koheda for an international fruit market.
In Khammam, 20 acres were allotted to TTD. Similarly, 70 acres were allocated for a JNTU College in Mahabubabad.
The Cabinet also decided to replace the century-old Manjeera and Osman Sagar pipelines with new lines. Pumps and water treatment facilities will be installed.
Approval was granted for a 300 megawatt green energy policy to support data centres. Moreover, the Telangana Medical Services Council will be converted into the Directorate of Secondary Health as part of healthcare reforms.
For road widening works within GHMC limits, the Cabinet decided to exchange 153 acres of land in place of 42 acres of defence land to complete acquisition.