Long Wait Comes To End, Metro Rail Expansion Begins In Old City

24 Jan 2025 CW Team

The long-awaited extension of Hyderabad Metro's Green Line from Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station to Chandrayangutta has finally commenced, connecting the Old City to the metro network. Initially planned during the first phase, the project faced repeated delays due to alignment disputes and property acquisition challenges. Demolition work is underway along Mir Alam Mandi Road near Charminar, where road widening is being carried out to accommodate metro pillars, viaducts, and stations. The 7.5-kilometre elevated track, part of the metro’s second phase, will connect Shalibanda, Falaknuma, and Chandrayangutta, introducing modern transit infrastructure to this densely populated area. Hyderabad Airport Metro Limited (HAML) Managing Director NVS Reddy remarked that the expansion is long overdue and crucial for integrating the Old City with Hyderabad’s public transport system. He added that compensation to affected property owners is progressing, with Rs 200 million disbursed in the first phase to 41 owners of 34 properties. Overall, compensation is expected to total approximately Rs 10 billion, covering 1,100 properties along the route. The metro alignment has been planned to minimise the impact on heritage structures in the Old City, with special efforts to protect historical buildings. Local residents have expressed mixed feelings, acknowledging the challenges of losing properties but recognising the benefits of improved connectivity. The extension is anticipated to reduce travel time between the Old City and other parts of Hyderabad, benefiting thousands of commuters daily. Future expansions will also offer seamless access to the airport, further enhancing connectivity.

Infrastructure Energy

08 Sep 2025

NLCIL Mines Win Top Honours in 2023–24 Star Ratings

NLC India Limited (NLCIL), a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Coal, has once again cemented its position as a leader in sustainable and responsible mining, with all five of its operating mines receiving prestigious Star Ratings for 2023–24 from the Ministry of Coal.The Star Rating scheme, introduced in 2019, evaluates mines across seven key parameters, including operational efficiency, environmental stewardship, safety, technological adoption, rehabilitation, and worker welfare. Since the inception of the framework, NLCIL has ensured 100 per cent partici..

GST on Coal Raised to 18 per cent, Compensation Cess Removed

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council has approved a hike in the GST rate on coal and lignite from 5 per cent to 18 per cent, while simultaneously removing the additional compensation cess of Rs 400 per tonne, previously levied at 40 per cent. The decision, taken on 3 September, is expected to rationalise the tax structure without raising the overall cost burden on power producers or consumers.According to a statement from the Union government, the move is unlikely to impact electricity prices, as the tax adjustment is designed to be revenue-neutral for buyers. The removal of the cess is ex..

SCCL Mines Win 5-Star National Awards for Excellence

Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) has been awarded 5-Star ratings at the national level for four of its coal mines for the last financial year, recognising the company’s excellence in sustainable mining, safety, and operational practices.The honoured mines include:RG OC-1 Extension from the Ramagundam-3 AreaJK-5 OC from the Yellandu AreaRK-6 Underground Mine and RK-Newtech Mine from the Srirampur AreaThese awards were presented during the 5-Star Rating Awards Ceremony held in Mumbai, where SCCL Chairman and Managing Director N. Balram received the accolades from Union Minister for ..