GHMC Flyover Expansion: Setback for Balakrishna, Jana Reddy, Renuka Chowdary, other VIPs

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has sprung a surprise on prominent political figures and celebrities, including Telugu Desam Party MLA Nandamuri Balakrishna and Congress senior leader and former minister Jana Reddy, by marking their houses in Jubilee Hills for property acquisition.

The markings, aimed at facilitating the construction of flyovers and underpasses around KBR Park to ease traffic congestion, havesparked a heated debate. GHMC officials have marked Balakrishna’s property on Jubilee Hills Road No. 45 up to six feet inside his compound, while Jana Reddy’s residence on Banjara Hills Road No. 12 is set to lose a significant portion of its land. Both leaders have expressed their displeasure over the markings. Jana Reddy is reportedly furious and has questioned the rationale behind the move.

Massive expansion around KBR Park The Telangana government has initiated an ambitious project to construct six underpasses and steel bridges at eight junctions around KBR Park to tackle the growing traffic woes. The project involves widening roads and building flyovers at key locations, including Jubilee Check Post and Chiranjeevi Blood Bank junction. One of the proposed flyovers will feature a two-lane upper deck connecting Chiranjeevi Blood Bank to Jubilee Hills Road No. 45, while a four-lane lower deck will connect KBR Park to Road No. 36. GHMC aims to complete the entire project within 18 months, aligning with the anticipated GHMC elections in February 2026. Celebrity residences in crosshairs The marking list includes 86 properties, among them the homes of several prominent figures such as former ministers Samarasimha Reddy, Shabbir Ali, KE Krishnamurthy, and Rajya Sabha member Renuka Chowdhury.

The house of Balakrishna, located at a prime junction, and Jana Reddy’s property on Road No. 12 are among the most high-profile acquisitions. According to officials, Jana Reddy’s plot is set to lose 600 square yards, while Balakrishna stands to lose about 500 square yards. The marking has also extended to properties owned by relatives of film star Allu Arjun and other influential figures, prompting protests and criticism. Concerns over greenery, property rights Environmentalists have raised concerns over the potential impact of the project on KBR Park’s greenery.

Despite assurances from officials that trees will be transplanted and the park’s boundary wall will remain untouched, the controversy lingers. Celebrities and property owners have voiced their opposition, with some threatening to escalate the matter to the Chief Minister. Critics argue that the markings unfairly target prominent individuals, while others question whether the government will succeed in acquiring the properties without legal and political hurdles. As traffic congestion continues to rise,

GHMC has prioritized road-widening efforts along a five-kilometer stretch from Banjara Hills Road No. 12 to Jubilee Hills Check Post. The current 80-foot road will be expanded to 120 feet in key areas, ensuring smoother vehicular movement. However, the real challenge lies in convincing high-profile property owners to cooperate with the expansion. Protests have already begun, with many questioning the necessity of marking their homes. With work progressing swiftly, the government’s ability to navigate legal and public resistance will determine the project’s success.