Central govt showing step-motherly treatment to Telangana: Sridhar Babu

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

IT, Industries and Legislative Affairs Minister D. Sridhar Babu expressed concern that despite Telangana contributing nearly 5% to the country’s GDP, the Union Government is not releasing funds proportionately. He stated that the Centre collects around ₹60,000 crore from the state in the form of taxes, yet continues to show discrimination.

Responding to questions from BRS and BJP members related to the Municipal Administration Department during the Assembly Question Hour on Tuesday, on behalf of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, the Minister clarified that no ongoing flyover or Road Over Bridge (ROB) projects in the twin cities and Rangareddy district have been cancelled. While minor modifications have been made in some cases, all projects are progressing at various stages. He said these works will be completed with an outlay of Rs. 2,250 crore.

Sridhar Babu recalled that several projects initiated during the previous BRS regime were left incomplete, and the current government is committed to finishing them in a phased manner based on priority.

He announced that works at the Kukatpally Y Junction will commence within 15 days. The Bachupally HMDA flyover is expected to be completed and inaugurated by May, in line with the Chief Minister’s directive. He assured that these projects will help ease traffic congestion. He also clarified that there are no changes in link roads and dismissed claims that certain projects were cancelled, advising BRS MLAs not to spread misinformation.

Regarding the Medchal–Suchitra elevated corridor, the Minister said the contractor had abandoned the project midway. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Roads & Buildings Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy have met Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, seeking support for early completion. He added that the Uppal elevated corridor will also be expedited, with a new contractor already in place.

The Paradise–Shamirpet and Paradise–Suchitra corridor projects are currently in the tendering stage. On issues related to defense land transfer, the Chief Minister has met the Union Defence Minister four times to resolve them, and works are expected to begin soon.

The proposed Hastinapuram flyover requires further studies, but will be taken up. Sridhar Babu also revealed that, along with the Musi rejuvenation project, plans are being prepared for major road networks connecting the eastern and western parts of the city.

He noted the rising migration to the twin cities from districts and other states, and said the government has recognized the need to expand drinking water supply and road infrastructure accordingly. He pointed out that permissions granted by the previous government for high-rise buildings in western Hyderabad are nearing completion, and once occupied, could lead to peak-hour traffic congestion. The government is undertaking several measures to address this.

As part of the Musi project, sewage treatment plants (STPs) are being completed, while some are under construction. He said earlier approvals to construct STPs within the riverbed were technically flawed, and the government is relocating them. Plans are also being made to utilize treated water for industrial purposes.

Funds on Par with Andhra Pradesh Sought

Sridhar Babu said it is encouraging that Andhra Pradesh is receiving substantial funds under the AMRUT scheme, and urged BJP MPs to secure similar allocations for Telangana. Despite having two Union Ministers from the state, Telangana continues to face neglect, he said, adding that the Centre should not ignore a small state contributing 5% to the national GDP.