G. Kishan Reddy Refutes Allegations Over Stalled Hyderabad Metro Funding

Union coal minister G. Kishan Reddy has officially refuted accusations made by Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy regarding a significant financial deadlock for the Hyderabad Metro project. The Chief Minister had previously alleged that the Union minister played a role in obstructing a ₹13,500-crore loan agreement with the Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC).

In a formal response delivered in Delhi, G. Kishan Reddy stated that he had no involvement in either facilitating or impeding the funding process. He clarified that the Hyderabad Metro financing arrangement, specifically valued at ₹13,527 crore, was an agreement negotiated directly between the state government and the lender, rendering it an internal state matter.

Addressing Financial Sustainability and Cooperation

The Union minister noted that he had engaged in discussions with the Union Urban Development Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. During these talks, the federal government expressed concerns that project revenues should primarily be allocated toward operational expenses and maintenance before being utilized to service any new debt liabilities. G. Kishan Reddy emphasized the necessity of a robust financial roadmap, advising the state to focus on achieving self-sustainability for the metro system.

Furthermore, G. Kishan Reddy challenged the Chief Minister to provide specific evidence regarding any ministerial intervention to stop these funds. He labeled the public accusations as baseless and politically motivated, cautioning that such rhetoric is inappropriate for the office of the Chief Minister. Instead, he proposed that state officials should adopt a technical and consultative framework to address infrastructure challenges in collaboration with the central government.

Highlighting the historical and ongoing commitment of the Centre, the minister pointed to previous contributions, including ₹1,250 crore allocated for Metro Phase-1. He reiterated that the central government has consistently supported development projects in Telangana regardless of the state's political leadership. G. Kishan Reddy also cited his correspondence from January 15, where he formally urged the state administration to accelerate progress on the Metro Rail Phase-2 project.

In his closing remarks, the minister invited state representatives to engage in open, professional dialogues to resolve technical or financial disputes. He maintained that the central government remains open to assisting Telangana, provided that concerns are addressed through formal channels rather than public outcry. He urged leadership to move past derivative political maneuvers and focus on substantive governance and the state's long-term infrastructure health.