Don’t Waste Money: JP Faults KCR

Lok Satta Party leader and intellectual Jaya Prakash Narayan welcomed the Telangana government’s decision to extend the Hyderabad Metro beyond the city at a cost of Rs 60,000 crore. However, he cautioned the government to think twice before spending such a huge amount as it might reap returns. Already, the Hyderabad Metro is incurring heavy losses to the tune of Rs 1,500 crore per year and investing so much again without a guarantee about the returns would only complicate things rather than ease its burden, he felt.

JP said that it will be a big mistake if the Hyderabad Metro would be developed around the ORR where there would not be much density of the population. Without the passengers, where can money flow from, he asked. Instead, they should ensure integration of the RTC services, MMTS and Hyderabad Metro for seamless connectivity to the commuters.

It is necessary that the infrastructure relating to public transportation should be strengthened but it would be better if the commuters can get a smooth ride from one destination to the other without much walking in between. In foreign countries, even higher officials prefer travelling in Metros for the convenience, he pointed out.

He suggested that the Metro Rail be developed in the GHMC limits first, then at places where there is heavy rush and commuters are struggling to move in the traffic, density of population. At the same time, the authorities should ensure smooth connectivity by coordinating with other modes of public transport like RTC bus services and MMTS. Parking slots should also be provided.

Money should always be used optimally to give maximum results as funds are limited and needs are unlimited, he pointed out.

It is pertinent to note that JP also faulted the BRS government for spending heavily on the Kaleshwaram project as it would not give adequate returns but only be a white elephant. The power needed to lift the water would cost more than the returns farmers would be able to get from the crop irrigated under the project, he pointed out.

Are you listening, KCR Sir?