The long-pending Metro works covering a distance of over 5 km from MGBS to Falaknuma are on the verge of being initiated. It has been announced that Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy will lay the foundation stone for the estimated Rs 15 to Rs 20 billion project at Falaknuma within a week. Sources reveal that Revanth Reddy, who has been eager to witness the Metro Rail running between MGBS and Falaknuma, a segment planned under Phase-I but remained incomplete, will inaugurate the foundation stone during his first visit to the Old City this week. Although specific dates have not been confirmed, it is anticipated that the Chief Minister will complete the task before the Lok Sabha election code comes into effect. An official clarified, ?There won?t be a significant deviation from the DPR, and the allocated funds for completing the stretch will remain unchanged. The estimated cost is Rs 15 billion if we consider the 5 km distance. All preparations are in place, and once the government gives the green signal, the construction will commence.? With a 100-feet gap between each pillar, the cost for one kilometer of the extension towards Falaknuma is estimated to be around Rs 3 billion. The official added, ?There will be approximately 5 stations along the route to Falaknuma. Extending the road by 100 feet on this stretch will create the necessary space for erecting pillars in the median.? Meanwhile, representatives of the Old City Metro JAC, who have been actively advocating for the project, express satisfaction that the infrastructure works, which have been pending for a long time, will finally commence. Giving credit to the Chief Minister for taking the initiative, JAC member Osman Al Hajri recalled how Revanth Reddy, immediately after assuming the position of PCC president in 2022, investigated the reasons behind the project delay and elevated it to a significant political issue. ?We have been advocating for the introduction of the Metro in the Old City because without proper transportation, especially towards Hitech City, the youth are facing difficulties. The journey to the IT corridor takes hours, and apart from spending on petrol, people have to endure pollution. If this stretch becomes a reality, it will eventually extend to the Airport, providing convenience for those traveling by flight,? explained Osman. He alleged that the previous government neglected the Old City Metro project and prioritized new corridors in the outskirts to promote real estate development in those areas. ?Since Revanth assumed the role of PCC chief, this issue has consistently been in the spotlight, and now, with him being the CM of the State, it is poised to become a reality soon,? declared the JAC member.