Hyderabad, July 5 (HS): Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has urged the Centre to expedite approvals for the Hyderabad Metro Rail Phase-II project and fast-track the process for the state government's takeover of Phase-I operations.

In separate letters to Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy, the Chief Minister sought early implementation of decisions taken during high-level meetings held on June 23 and 24 regarding the metro project.

Revanth Reddy requested the Centre to appoint SBICAPS as the nodal agency for valuation of Phase-I assets, refinancing of existing high-interest loans and preparation of a comprehensive financial plan for the proposed Phase-II expansion.

The Chief Minister expressed concern over the delay in finalising the terms of reference and assigning responsibilities to SBICAPS, stating that the hold-up was affecting Phase-I operations and slowing the approval and funding process for Phase-II.

He said timely implementation of the metro expansion was crucial to meeting Hyderabad's growing public transport requirements and preventing further delays and escalation in project costs.

Revanth Reddy urged the Union ministers to intervene personally and ensure that the necessary approvals and procedural formalities are completed at the earliest.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar