The state government on Thursday informed the Andhra Pradesh High Court that Hyderabad, perched atop the Deccan plateau with its rocky terrain, is not suitable for an underground metro rail.
A division bench comprising acting Chief Justice P. C. Ghose and Justice Vilas V. Afzulpurkar was hearing an appeal by Hyderabad Metro Rail Ltd., against an order of a single judge staying execution of the Metro Rail project in Corridor III between Greenlands and Shilparamam.
Justice Ghose sought to know from the Advocate-General whether it was possible to undertake underground work for the project in the Corridor III as some residents of Greenlands, Ameerpet, Madhuranagar, Yousufguda and Srikrish-nanagar areas have been opposing the project and had formed a Joint Action Committee to fight against the laying of train route.
The Advocate-General ruled out the possibility of undertaking underground metro rail work by explaining the difficulties in taking up excavation in a rocky terrain.
D.V. Seetharama Murthy, former Advocate-General appearing for the Joint Action Committee and some individuals, argued that the project authorities have changed the alignment of Corridor III without consulting the people whose properties would have to be demolished.
He alleged that the entire process was veiled in secrecy and lacked in transparency. Mr Murthy further alleged that the change in alignment would cause severe damage to their properties.
The bench adjourned the further hearing to next Thursday.