Metro losses are Telangana’s burden, Not centre’s: Minister Kishan Reddy
Union Minister Kishan Reddy has made it clear that the losses of the Hyderabad Metro Rail are solely the responsibility of the Telangana State Government. Speaking to the media in Delhi on Thursday, he questioned what role the Centre had to play in managing the metro’s financial burden. At the same time, he reiterated that there would be no compromise on the funds due to Telangana, and he is working to secure more assistance for the state.
Four-lane express highway Reddy announced that the Centre is preparing to launch the construction of a four-lane express highway between Hyderabad and Srisailam. He said proposals for the project are ready and stressed that environmental safeguards will be followed to prevent harm to wildlife. The Union Minister also revealed that Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari is keen on building an elevated corridor to Srisailam, with a final decision expected soon. According to him, once land acquisition is completed, construction will move ahead at an accelerated pace.
Metro rail expansion and central support
On the issue of Hyderabad Metro expansion, Kishan Reddy assured that the Centre would extend full cooperation, but he criticized Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s handling of the project, calling it “inappropriate” and partly responsible for delays. He reminded that the metro is already running at a loss, which remains a state affair to resolve. However, he added that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the metro’s expansion should be submitted quickly so that the Centre can release funds.
Kaleshwaram project under scanner
Turning to irrigation issues, Kishan Reddy confirmed that proposals for a CBI inquiry into the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project have been received and are under examination. He pointed out the Congress party’s inconsistency, recalling that it once urged the Centre to investigate but is now silent. He assured that the Centre will take a decision soon.
Political stand in Telangana
The Union Minister also asserted that the BJP will contest alone in Telangana, ruling out any alliance with either the Congress or the BRS, both of which he said had governed together in the past. He accused both parties of fearing the BJP’s growing strength in the state. Reddy emphasized that the BJP stands firmly behind 42% reservations for Backward Classes (BCs) and had already supported this demand in the Assembly.
Cooperation alongside criticism
Kishan Reddy’s statements highlighted a dual approach: while the Centre is promising cooperation for key infrastructure projects such as the Regional Ring Road (RRR), the Hyderabad - Vijayawada six-lane highway, and metro expansion, he has also openly criticized the state government’s approach to project management, metro finances, and land acquisition delays.
This exchange of accusations comes against the backdrop of recent remarks by CM Revanth Reddy, who accused Kishan Reddy and BJP leader Bandi Sanjay of obstructing Telangana’s progress. The political sparring has raised questions over the level of coordination between the Centre and the State.
With the BJP positioning itself as an alternative to both the Congress and the BRS in Telangana, Kishan Reddy’s remarks underline the party’s strategy balancing promises of development and central support with sharp criticism of the ruling state government. The coming months will reveal whether cooperation or confrontation will define Centre - State relations in Telangana.