BRS Leader Demands Transparency in Hyderabad Metro Takeover Deal

Hyderabad: A senior opposition leader has intensified scrutiny over the state government's handling of the Hyderabad Metro takeover, pressing for comprehensive public disclosure of all financial arrangements and regulatory clearances.

BRS MLC Dasoju Sravan levelled accusations of opacity on Wednesday, contending that the Congress administration is channelling vast sums from the public exchequer without furnishing citizens with requisite information. He further cautioned that concealing crucial project details could enable speculative real estate dealings.

Sravan highlighted that the previous administration under KCR had substantially advanced the Metro Rail infrastructure following 2014, transforming it into a modern transport network that now accommodates approximately five lakh passengers daily.

Scrutiny of financial commitments

The opposition legislator challenged the government's fiscal approach, asserting that Rs.2,940 crore has already been committed toward equity participation, margin requirements and associated fees ahead of a proposed Rs.13,600-crore loan arrangement with a Japanese financial institution. He demanded the immediate revelation of the lender's identity and sought confirmation regarding Cabinet-level approval of the takeover initiative.

Sravan emphasised that every financial obligation tied to the transaction requires governmental explanation and that citizens warrant complete transparency in such matters.

Questions on Metro assets

The BRS politician also flagged concerns surrounding Metro-related properties, requesting specifics about approximately 280 acres of land, 57 operational stations and roughly 20 million square feet of commercial premises controlled by the transit authority.

Sravan drew attention to the government's earlier decision to abandon the proposed Hitec City–Shamshabad Airport Metro connection, attributing the cancellation to political considerations. He pointed out the apparent contradiction in the administration's current justification—citing the Future City initiative—for Metro expansion plans.

Calling for complete transparency, Sravan urged Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to make all agreements, regulatory approvals and financial documentation pertaining to the Metro takeover publicly accessible, arguing this step would enable proper evaluation of the project's governance structure and financial ramifications.