Hyderabad, Sept 24 (Telangana Tribune): After months of uncertainty, clarity has finally emerged on the construction of the Southern part of the Regional Ring Road (RRR) around Hyderabad. The Central government has expressed willingness to take up the project, following representations from the Telangana state government.
During a recent review meeting on central projects held at the state secretariat, Delhi officials informed Chief Minister Revanth Reddy that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is considering bringing the southern portion under its purview, similar to the northern stretch already being executed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
The Telangana government has already finalized an alignment of 201 km and submitted it to the Centre. It will now send a detailed revised alignment for final approval. Once cleared, the project will move forward under MoRTH and NHAI coordination.
State’s Offer to Share Costs
The state government had earlier written to the Centre requesting inclusion of both the northern and southern parts of the RRR under central execution. Telangana also committed to bearing 50% of land acquisition compensation costs, while assisting with the acquisition process. This assurance has paved the way for the Centre’s approval.
Originally, the southern section was planned at 189 km, but with the new alignment, the length has increased to 201 km. Officials clarified that despite this change, there would be no major escalation in construction costs.
Alignment Details
The government had considered three alignment proposals:
- 189.5 km (96% agricultural land, 3% structures, some forest land)
- 201 km (99% agricultural land, 1% structures, no forest land)
- 218 km (similar land mix, requiring forest clearance)
To avoid lengthy forest clearances, the Cabinet approved the 201 km option, which requires about 2,010 hectares of land and removal of 55 structures. The alignment connects four national highways and one state highway, beginning at Choutuppal (Vijayawada Highway) and passing through Amangal, Chevella, Vikarabad, before ending at Sangareddy.
Officials believe this stretch will boost connectivity to the Pharma City, Airport, Outer Ring Road, and Bangalore Highway, turning the corridor into a major hub for trade and commercial activity. Preliminary estimates suggest the project, including land compensation, may cost up to ₹16,000 crore.
Concerns and Objections
While the decision has brought relief, controversies remain. Farmers in parts of the northern stretch near Choutuppal have protested over inadequate compensation, while some groups allege that alignment changes in the southern stretch were made to benefit vested interests. The recent HMDA notification on alignment triggered a flood of complaints, with opposition parties demanding a review.
Despite these disputes, the Centre’s willingness to construct both the North and South RRR sections marks a major breakthrough, and officials expect faster movement on the long-pending project.
