Forgotten Light Rail Played Key Role in Protecting Hyderabad from Floods

Hyderabad: Hidden in plain sight. That is the story of an elevated aqueduct that once carried not just water but a light railway line in the Nizam era? This fascinating piece of history reveals how infrastructure has shaped Hyderabad over the years.

This line was used for transporting construction materials and workers from Hyderabad to Gandipet during the construction of the Osmansagar. This elevated aqueduct passes through Gandipet, Kokapet, Narsingi, Manikonda, Shaikpet and Mehdipatnam, and is visible ni many parts.

According to Deccan Archives, before the elevated aqueduct was used for water supply, it served as a light railway line.

Dr Satya Narayan, a historian, recounts how the floods of 1908 alarmed the Sixth Nizam Mir Mahbub Ali Khan, prompting him to seek a solution for safeguarding the city. He consulted the renowned engineer Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya for assistance.

Under the Nizam’s guidance, a plan was made, but it was only after his death that the project was executed under the Seventh Nizam, Osman Ali Khan. Visvesvaraya, one of India’s leading civil engineers, designed the elevated aqueduct.

Along with this, a light railway line was laid on the bridge. Renowned engineer Nawab Zain Yar Jung helped during its construction which was completed in 1922-23.

The Deccan Archives also stated that the light railway was planned for construction purposes, for a temporary usage.

It was called a light railway line because it was designed to transport construction materials, goods, and workers. Once the work was complete, and the city’s water supply challenges grew, sections of the railway were dismantled to make way for water pipes. This change marked the end of the railway’s operational days, and residents began to take the leftover tracks, selling them off as scrap.

Urban development and changes in the infrastructure have also altered the aqueduct along the route, making it difficult to see the elevated aqueduct completely.

According to the sources, the elevated aqueduct from Gandipet to Mehdipatnam is not fully visible today. Only parts are visible, some of it is underground, overtaken by layers of civilization. It can be seen completely in Kokapet and Manikonda.

Local residents also reported that the children used to climb over it because of which gates have been built over these to ensure the safety of the individuals as well the infrastructure from being damaged. This elevated aqueduct currently is maintained by the HMWS&SB and the GHMC.