₹1,090 Crore Project Set to Transform KBR Park Traffic: 97 Properties to Be Acquired

Hyderabad’s Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is advancing with an ambitious infrastructure project aimed at alleviating traffic congestion around the iconic Kasu Brahmananda Reddy (KBR) Park. The project, estimated to cost ₹1,090 crore, is part of a larger initiative to construct six steel bridges, six underpasses, and six junctions. This initiative aims to ease the persistent traffic bottlenecks in the vicinity, providing much-needed relief to commuters.

Scope of the Project

The scope of this extensive project includes the widening of a 6.5-kilometer stretch of road, which will significantly enhance the connectivity from KBR Park to Viranchi Hospital. Starting from Road No. 12, the road will extend through Omega Hospital, actor Balakrishna’s residence, and the Jubilee Hills Check Post, continuing to Telangana Bhavan near Viranchi Hospital.

The plan is to widen the road from Viranchi Hospital to Telangana Bhavan to 100 feet, while the stretch leading up to Jubilee Hills Check Post will be expanded to 150 feet. This widening is crucial to accommodate the upcoming metro rail line, making the area more accessible and efficient for all types of traffic. As part of this process, the authorities have identified a total of 303 properties for acquisition under the Land Acquisition Act, with the first phase targeting 97 properties.

Phases and Costs

The project will be carried out in two phases:

Phase 1: The road expansion from KBR Park to the Jubilee Hills Check Post will cost ₹580 crore. This phase includes significant work around the check post, which is a major traffic node in the area.

Phase 2: The second phase, covering the stretch from Jubilee Hills Road No. 45 to Film Nagar and from Agrasen to Cancer Hospital Junction, is estimated to cost ₹510 crore. This phase will further improve traffic flow and ease congestion, complementing the improvements made in Phase 1.

Strategic Road Development Program (SRDP)

This development is part of the Strategic Road Development Program (SRDP), which was initially proposed by the previous BRS government. Under the SRDP, the construction of six steel bridges and underpasses will provide significant upgrades to the city's transportation infrastructure. The project aims to reduce travel time, improve safety, and enhance urban mobility for residents and commuters in the area.

In light of environmental concerns, particularly regarding the potential cutting of thousands of trees along the proposed routes, the authorities sought approval from the National Green Tribunal (NGT). However, to mitigate the environmental impact, the authorities have prioritized land acquisition over tree cutting in the initial phase. This decision demonstrates the careful balancing act between urban development and environmental preservation.

Prominent Properties Affected

The widening project will affect several high-profile properties in the area, which includes residential and commercial establishments that have historical significance in the city. Among the most notable properties set to be impacted are:

• The residence of former Minister K. Jana Reddy
• Film actor Allu Arjun’s family property
• The former residence of actor Chiranjeevi near Apollo Junction
• Actor Balakrishna’s residence on Road No. 45

These properties, particularly the residences of prominent personalities, have drawn attention to the project and its potential impact on the local community. While many property owners with open plots have shown a positive response to the land acquisition process, those with constructed buildings have expressed reluctance. This resistance is expected to lead to challenges in completing the land acquisition process, which is anticipated to take at least six months.

Road Widening Details

The road expansion will involve significant modifications to the current infrastructure. The existing 50-60 feet wide road from Viranchi Hospital to Telangana Bhavan Junction will be widened to 100 feet. Additionally, the road leading to Jubilee Hills Check Post, currently between 80-100 feet wide, will be expanded to 120 feet to accommodate the increasing traffic and future metro rail infrastructure.

While the road widening aims to enhance traffic flow, some property owners have been less cooperative, particularly those whose properties have established structures. The road widening and land acquisition are expected to face delays due to the need for negotiations with property owners, but the GHMC is determined to complete the process promptly. 

Originally, the cost of constructing the six steel bridges was estimated at ₹826 crore. However, due to a 31% increase in material costs, the total cost of the project has now escalated to ₹1,090 crore. This cost increase highlights the challenges of managing large-scale infrastructure projects in an environment of rising construction costs. Despite this, the project remains a high priority for the GHMC, as it promises to provide long-term solutions to the area’s traffic problems.