Hyderabad: The political landscape in Hyderabad is heating up with ambitious visions for the city’s future being presented by the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and the Congress party. Both parties have laid out grand plans to transform Hyderabad into a global city, but with distinctly different inspirations.
The BRS on its way to occupy the citadel of power in the newly formed state 11 years ago promised rejuvenate Hyderabad by drawing inspiration from Istanbul. This vision includes revitalizing the Old City, enhancing cultural heritage sites, and improving infrastructure to create a city that blends historical charm with modern amenities. The party leadership planned to make Hyderabad a city that reflects the rich cultural tapestry and architectural beauty of Istanbul, while also boosting tourism and local economy.
As the BRS abdicate the throne to the Congress, as per the mandate given by the electorate, the denizens of the city woke up to the reality that Hyderabad has become the seventh most polluted city of India. On the other hand, the Congress party, under the leadership of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, envisions Hyderabad as a city on par with New York. This ambitious plan includes extensive infrastructure improvements, the development of a “Future City,” and initiatives to elevate Hyderabad’s status on the global stage.
Revanth Reddy’s vision focuses on transforming Hyderabad into a bustling metropolis with world-class facilities, advanced public transportation, and cutting-edge technology hubs. The Congress party’s proposal aims to position Hyderabad alongside other global cities like Tokyo and Singapore, emphasizing economic growth, innovation, and international connectivity. The plan includes significant investments in smart city technologies, green spaces, and sustainable development to create a modern urban environment that attracts global businesses and talent.
But the big question queering the minds is where the administration can find the resource support for the transformation of Hyderabad given the fact that the state administration is cash-strapped. Both visions have sparked considerable debate among residents and stakeholders. Supporters of the BRS plan argue that drawing inspiration from Istanbul will preserve Hyderabad’s unique cultural identity while modernizing its infrastructure. They believe that this approach will create a balanced city that honors its past while embracing the future.
Conversely, proponents of the Congress plan argue that aiming for a New York-style transformation will propel Hyderabad into the ranks of the world’s leading cities. They emphasize the need for bold, forward-thinking initiatives to drive economic growth and make Hyderabad a hub for innovation and global business.
As the political discourse continues, the future of Hyderabad hangs in the balance. Whether the city will become the “Istanbul of India” or the “New York of the East” remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Hyderabad is poised for significant transformation in the coming years.
