Revanth Reddy's Vizag Comment Ignites Metro Funding Row

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has ignited a significant political and regional debate following his recent remarks concerning Visakhapatnam (Vizag) and the ongoing struggle for Hyderabad Metro Rail Phase II funding. Speaking to the media regarding the extension of the Hyderabad Metro, Reddy claimed that the combined area of Jubilee Hills and Madhapur in Hyderabad is larger than the entirety of Vizag, while lamenting that the Centre had approved a metro project for Vizag but was allegedly rejecting Hyderabad's expansion proposals. This statement, made on June 15, 2026, immediately triggered a wide range of reactions on social media and drew criticism from various quarters, with many perceiving it as an uncalled-for and insensitive comparison. Fact-checks quickly emerged on social media, with users pointing out that the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) area spans approximately 681 sq km, which is larger than the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) area of about 650 sq km. This factual inaccuracy in Reddy's comparison amplified the controversy, making his statement appear ill-informed and potentially inflammatory, especially given existing political tensions between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The core of the controversy, however, extends beyond the geographical comparison to the persistent political deadlock surrounding the Hyderabad Metro Rail Phase II project. The expansion is crucial for enhancing urban mobility in one of India's fastest-growing metropolitan cities. The proposed Phase II aims to add approximately 63 to 86.1 km to the existing metro network, connecting key areas such as Shamshabad Airport, Patancheru, Medchal, and Shamirpet. Estimated costs for this ambitious project vary, with figures ranging from ₹19,579 crore to ₹24,200 crore depending on the specific corridors and plans. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has repeatedly accused the Central government and, specifically, Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, along with Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leaders K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) and K.T. Rama Rao (KTR), of deliberately obstructing the Hyderabad Metro Phase II project. Reddy alleged that the Centre was creating hurdles in the disbursement of a crucial ₹13,600 crore refinancing loan from the Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) for the state government's takeover of the Hyderabad Metro Phase I from Larsen & Toubro (L&T). He stated that L&T was incurring annual losses of around ₹400 crore from operating Phase I, prompting the state to acquire the assets, valued at ₹30,000 crore, for ₹15,000 crore, and secure the IRFC loan. Reddy claimed that despite fulfilling all administrative and transactional requirements, the loan, which was due for release by June 15, was withheld due to alleged political pressure from Union Minister Kishan Reddy. Furthermore, the Telangana Chief Minister has accused the Centre of blatant discrimination, pointing out that metro projects in cities like Ahmedabad, various locations in Uttar Pradesh, and Visakhapatnam have received approvals, while Hyderabad's proposal remained stalled. He challenged the Centre to either facilitate the 50% funding for Phase II or issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) so that the state government could proceed with 100% funding independently. In response, Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy refuted these allegations, stating that the Centre is, in principle, ready to participate in a 50:50 cost-sharing arrangement for Hyderabad Metro Phase II. He emphasized that a final decision is pending the submission of a comprehensive Detailed Project Report (DPR) and other necessary technical documents from the state government. Kishan Reddy also accused the state government of failing to implement key election promises and welfare commitments, turning the metro project into another point of political contention. He questioned why BJP MPs should resign when the Centre was extending support to the project. Adding to the political sparring, BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) strongly criticised Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, attributing the delay in securing Central approval for Hyderabad Metro Phase II to the Congress government's "administrative incompetence and inability to safeguard Telangana's interests." KTR alleged that despite numerous visits to Delhi since assuming office in December 2023, Revanth Reddy had failed to secure the crucial approval. He further claimed that the current government had shelved the Phase II project over the past two and a half years and even cancelled the previously proposed Shamshabad Metro extension, which was part of the BRS government's plans. KTR asserted that the credit for successfully completing Hyderabad Metro Phase I belonged to former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao and demanded that the state government clarify its roadmap for Phase II. This ongoing dispute highlights a deeper political struggle between the Congress-led Telangana government and the BJP-led Central government, with the BRS playing a vocal opposition role. The accusations range from political sabotage and discrimination to administrative inefficiency and a lack of decisive leadership. The future of Hyderabad Metro Phase II, a vital infrastructure project for the city's development and connectivity, remains entangled in this political blame game, with both sides presenting conflicting narratives on the status of approvals and funding. The chief minister's controversial Vizag statement has inadvertently added a regional dimension to this already complex political landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Read Full Story on Quick Digest