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Residents of Hyderabad's Old City have asked authorities to rethink the locations of metro stations planned on the Metro Rail route between Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station (MGBS) and Chandrayangutta. They want stations to be placed closer to important heritage buildings so that these landmarks are easier to access and gain more visibility.
Old City Metro Corridor
The proposed Old City Metro corridor will be about 7.5 km long and is meant to improve connectivity between the Old City and newer areas of Hyderabad. As per current plans, metro stations are proposed at Salarjung Museum, Charminar, Shah-Ali-Banda, Aliabad, Falaknuma, and Chandrayangutta.
Relocation of Stations Near Heritage Sites
However, residents and heritage activists feel that some historically important places have been ignored. They are requesting additional or relocated stations near the Old Municipal Corporation (MCH) office at Darulshifa, the Shalibanda clock tower, and Aliabad Sarai, all of which have strong historical and cultural value.
No Change in Plan
Metro Rail officials have said that, at present, there is no plan to change the proposed station locations. They also mentioned that legal cases related to the structures at Darulshifa, the Shalibanda clock tower, and Aliabad Sarai are currently pending in the High Court, which limits any immediate decisions.
Residents' Opinions
Govind Narayana Sharma, a resident of Shalibanda and a descendant of Raja Rai Rayan, who built the Shalibanda clock tower in 1904, said the clock tower is an important local landmark and should have direct metro access. He added that residents plan to submit a formal request to the Metro authorities soon. Similar demands have been made for Aliabad, one of the historic gates of Hyderabad's old city wall, located next to Aliabad Sarai, a traveller's rest house from the Qutb Shahi era.
Residents also highlighted the Old Municipal Corporation office at Darulshifa, which served as Hyderabad's civic headquarters until 1990. Local leaders said concerns remain about protecting heritage structures and religious spaces while developing the metro, and residents will continue to push for changes that balance development with preservation.
