MA&UD Minister KT Rama Rao, along with Minister Sabitha Indra Reddy, inaugurated the interchange at Narsingi on the Outer Ring Road (ORR) and a 15 MLD capacity Sewage Treatment Plant at Kokapet. Built at a cost of Rs. 29.50 crores, Narsingi interchange (entry and exit ramp of ORR) will make it easier for commuters from Narsingi, Manchirevula, Gandipet areas as well as Langar Houze and Shankarpalli areas to reach their destinations via ORR.
The Minister also inaugurated the first plant of a series of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) being constructed by the state government to make Hyderabad, the first Indian city to achieve 100% treatment of its sewerage. The plant at Kokapet will treat 15 million litres per day (MLD) and the combined capacity of all the STPs would be around 1259.50 MLD. Telangana government is spending around Rs. 3,866 crores for the purpose.
Speaking after opening the ORR interchange, Minister KTR has laid out plans for the development of Hyderabad. He said that in addition to expediting the Musi beautification works, the foundation stone for five bridges across the Musi River will also be laid soon. Telangana government has sanctioned 14 bridges across Musi to make commuting easier for the people of Hyderabad.
KTR announced that to connect the eastern and western parts of Hyderabad and ease traffic congestion in the city, an expressway will be constructed across the Musi River. “With an outlay of Rs. 10,000 Cr, a 55-km long expressway will be built across the Musi River which will be beneficial for the old city and the new city,” KTR said. He added that plans are afoot for metro rail expansion from BHEL to Pharma City in Kandukur.
The Minister explained that by September, Hyderabad will become the first Indian city to treat 100% of its wastewater. The treated water will be reused to water plants and greenery along ORR and in parks. KTR said that the government is planning to launch a wastewater recycling policy which will mandate builders to use only treated water in construction activities.
“These STPs will ensure our lakes and Musi River remain uncontaminated and create a healthy environment for our children. This will be a role model for the nation,” KTR said. He also announced that the solar-roof cycling track along the ORR will be inaugurated on August 15.
On the occasion, KTR once again appealed to the union government to transfer defence lands for skywalks, link roads and elevated corridors in various parts of the city. The Minister asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to come up with good news about transferring defence lands before his tour to Telangana this month.