Demolitions Underway in Lothkunta for Hyderabad’s 18.1-km Paradise-Shamirpet Elevated Corridor
Demolition and road-widening activities have commenced along a nearly 500-metre stretch of Rajiv Rahadari in Lothkunta to make way for the Paradise-Shamirpet elevated corridor. The 18.1-kilometre infrastructure project, planned along State Highway-1, represents one of the largest transport undertakings in Hyderabad and aims to resolve persistent traffic bottlenecks across Secunderabad.
What Happened
Earthmovers have begun clearing commercial establishments and landmarks along Rajiv Rahadari in the Lothkunta area. Numerous businesses operating for over two decades—including pharmacies, restaurants, sweet shops, bakeries, tea stalls, automobile workshops, furniture outlets, and general stores—have been demolished or marked for demolition. The clearances have also affected newer facilities, such as a three-year-old hospital at the Lothkunta Y-junction.
The project footprint also requires the demolition and relocation of several public and government offices. These include the Secunderabad North Zonal Regional Transport Authority office, the Trimulgherry Traffic Police office, and the Karkhana Traffic Police Station, alongside certain defence establishments situated within the Secunderabad Cantonment.
Key Highlights
- Corridor Alignment: The 18.1-km corridor connects Paradise Junction to the Outer Ring Road near Shamirpet, traversing Trimulgherry, Karkhana, Lothkunta, Alwal, Bolarum, and Thumkunta.
- Structural Features: Approximately 11.6 km of the route will consist of an elevated six-lane flyover, supported by service roads and a short underground tunnel near the Hakimpet Air Force Station.
- Construction Sequencing: Trimulgherry Traffic ACP G. Shankar Raju stated that flyover and proposed Metro alignment work will commence only after the completion of mandatory service roads to keep high-volume highway traffic moving.
- Project Timeline: Land acquisition began in 2024, with compensation awards issued in March. Officials estimate the construction will take three to four years to finish.
Why This Matters
Rajiv Rahadari experiences heavy traffic volumes, with recurrent bottlenecks particularly around the Lothkunta railway bridge. The new elevated corridor is designed to redirect through-traffic bound for Shamirpet away from internal roads and narrow highway lanes. Once functional, it is expected to streamline transit for commuters travelling through Patny, Karkhana, Alwal, Lothkunta, Thumkunta, and Shamirpet.
What to Watch Next
Initial work will focus on the construction of the mandatory service roads along the corridor. Authorities anticipate minimal traffic changes during early phases, outside of temporary waterlogging risks during heavy rainfall. Additionally, traffic police have noted that monitoring and safety measures will be necessary once the road opens, as the unobstructed carriageway could lead to higher driving speeds and crash risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total length of the Paradise-Shamirpet corridor?
The total planned corridor spans 18.1 kilometres, featuring an 11.6-kilometre elevated six-lane flyover, service roads, and an underground tunnel near Hakimpet Air Force Station.
Which government offices are being relocated for the project?
The project necessitates the demolition and relocation of the Secunderabad North Zonal Regional Transport Authority office, the Trimulgherry Traffic Police office, and the Karkhana Traffic Police Station, as well as impacts on some defence properties in the Cantonment area.
How long will the construction of the corridor take?
Officials project that the entire elevated corridor project will take between three and four years to complete.
Source: Information sourced from a report by The Hindu.