Track Change: Telangana Seeks Technical Experts for Metro Takeover

The Telangana government, along with Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMR), is in the process of appointing a second consultant to support the takeover of Phase I metro operations from L&T Metro Rail Hyderabad (L&TMRH).

The decision follows the assessment that the agencies currently handling financial and legal evaluations lack the technical expertise required to review core metro systems. The proposed technical due diligence will cover critical components such as rolling stock, electric traction, communications-based train control (CBTC) signaling, and operations control centres. Public sector organisations like the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) are expected to be considered, with the possibility of involving overseas technical experts as well.

A panel led by the Chief Secretary has been tasked with completing the review within 100 days, in line with the Chief Minister’s directive to complete the takeover by the beginning of the next financial year. However, officials indicated that the process could extend to four to five months due to the complexity of contractual arrangements, which require careful scrutiny to avoid potential legal complications.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.