TG Cabinet clears metro takeover plan

■ Hyderabad Metro Takeover: Telangana Cabinet approved expediting the full takeover of the Hyderabad Metro Rail from L&T, targeting completion by March 31, 2026, including absorption of ₹13,000 crore debt and refund of ₹2,000 crore.

■ Phase II Expansion Cleared: DPR for Metro Phase II-B (86.1 km, ₹19,579 crore) received central approval, paving the way for expanded urban connectivity.

■ Preparations for 2027 Digital Census: State to begin House Listing from May 11–June 9, 2026, deploying nearly 89,000 staff for India’s first fully digital Census.

■ Budget Session Schedule Finalised: Telangana Assembly budget session to begin March 16, with the 2026–27 Budget to be presented on March 20 amid Rajya Sabha polls and major festivals.

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In a pivotal cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar State Secretariat, the Telangana government outlined ambitious plans for infrastructure enhancement, demographic data collection, and legislative proceedings. This marked the 28th cabinet session since the Congress-led administration assumed power, focusing on key developmental and administrative priorities amid upcoming electoral and festive commitments.

A big decision was expediting the formalities for the full takeover of the Hyderabad Metro Rail from Larsen & Toubro (L&T), signaling the state's intent to streamline urban transportation. The cabinet is targeting completion of the process by March 31, 2026, aligning with the end of the current financial year.

This move involves absorbing approximately Rs 13,000 crore in outstanding debt and refunding around Rs 2,000 crore to L&T, as per agreements signed in September 2025. Officials highlighted that L&T's exit stems from financial losses, paving the way for integrated operations with the upcoming Phase II expansion. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Phase II-B, covering 86.1 km at an estimated Rs 19,579 crore, has received central approval, promising enhanced connectivity across Hyderabad's corridors.

Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao emphasized a smooth transition within 100 days, ensuring no disruptions to daily commuters. This acquisition is expected to bolster public control over the metro, which currently spans 72 km and serves millions, fostering sustainable urban mobility in line with Telangana's Vision 2047.

The meeting also delved into preparations for the 2027 Census, India's first fully digital enumeration exercise. As directed by the central government, Telangana will commence the initial House Listing Operation from May 11 to June 9, 2026, following a broader national timeline from April 1 to September 30. Chief Secretary Rao detailed the framework, including 34 standardized questions on housing and demographics.

Nearly 89,000 government employees, primarily teachers and nodal officers, will be deployed as enumerators and supervisors to ensure comprehensive coverage, including remote and slum areas. The second phase, focusing on population enumeration, is slated for February 2027. Director of Census Bharati Hollikeri underscored the digital transformation, with rigorous training programs underway to achieve 100% accuracy. This census will provide critical data for policy-making, resource allocation, and schemes like Rythu Bharosa, amid the state's growing population of over 3.5 crore as per 2011 figures.

Additionally, the cabinet finalized dates for the Telangana Legislative Assembly's budget session, commencing March 16 with the Governor's address.

Discussions on the Governor's speech will follow on March 17-18, culminating in the presentation of the 2026-27 state budget by Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka on March 20. However, the schedule coincides with significant events: the Rajya Sabha biennial elections on March 16, where Telangana will fill two seats vacated by INC's Abhishek Manu Singhvi and BRS's K.R. Suresh Reddy (terms ending April 9).

The polls, part of 37 national seats, may see Congress strengthening its position given its assembly majority. Festive overlaps add complexity, with Ugadi on March 19, Eid-ul-Fitr (Ramzan) on March 21, and Sri Rama Navami on March 27—all falling in the session's second half, necessitating holiday breaks. The assembly will run until March 30, prioritizing allocations for housing, farmer bonuses, and women's welfare amid a projected Rs 3 lakh crore budget, despite revenue challenges.