The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Army clears SCB road-widening work

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Saturday, Jun 21, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Army clears SCB road-widening work

Two main thoroughfares to be widened in the first phase

Total cost of the two roads is expected to be around Rs.52 crore including median, footpaths
26 acres of Defence land required for widening of all identified roads in the first phase

HYDERABAD: The road-widening plan proposed by the Secunderabad Cantonment Board (SCB) got the much-needed boost with Army authorities giving a green signal to go ahead with the work.

Top Army officials from the Southern Command headquarters were in the city couple of days ago to discuss the modalities of the plan and also have a better clarity on the issue with SCB authorities. Once detailed presentations were made and doubts cleared, the path got clear.

Though SCB has made widening plans for eight roads in the area, it has decided to take up two main thoroughfares in the first phase – the 8-km road from Mahendra Hills to Military College of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (MCEME) via Military Hospital and another 5-km stretch from Safilguda railway station up to Secunderabad Club via AOC Gate.

Actually, the widening from Safilguda station to Secunderabad Club will be done up to AOC Gate in the first phase stopping just before civilian properties start.

HUDA role

Hyderabad Urban Development Authority (HUDA) will be taking up the work to widen the roads to 70 ft. The total cost for both the roads is expected to be around Rs.52 crore including central median, drains and footpaths. More than a dozen culverts also need to be strengthened en route, pointed out SCB Chief Executive Officer V. Premchand.

Army permission was required as a total of 26 acres of its land would be required for widening in all the identified roads, including 10 acres for the two roads to be taken up in the first phase. The SCB has chosen these two roads as very few civilian properties lie in the way.

Compound walls

SCB will build compound walls after demolition of the old ones in Defence lands and also rebuild some of the structures.

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation has consented to shift streetlights at a cost of Rs.5.50 crore. The HUDA is said to be getting ready to invite tenders for the work while an official notification changing the Defence land from category of A-1 to ‘C’ to permit widening is expected soon.

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