HC seeks HMRL, govt stand on stalls at Metro stations
Jun 11, 2026, 12.00 AM IST
Hyderabad: Telangana High Court on Wednesday sought responses to a petition filed against Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL) for allegedly setting up commercial stalls under and near the metro stations, encroaching on public property, roads and footpaths. The petitioner, B Akhil, a regular metro commuter, alleged that authorities have been active in removing footpath encroachment by hawkers but are reportedly indifferent towards encroachment by HMRL. The matter has been posted to June 17 for further hearing.
Justice NV Shravan Kumar, while hearing the petition, noted, “Such commercial stalls also affect and obstruct free traffic movements.”
However, stating that the matter requires examination on whether authorities can grant permissions to such stalls and kiosks on the public premises affecting the regular commuters and pedestrians, the judge directed HMRL and govt counsels to place before the court their responses and other relevant govt orders.
The petitioner’s counsel Vijay Gopal submitted that the petitioner has also lodged complaints with regard to such encroachments on the footpaths at ESI Hospital and Ameerpet metro stations, but there has been no action on them yet. He also submitted photographs of encroachments and sought directions to GHMC and other concerned authorities to remove the said encroachments at the metro stations.
In response, HMRL counsel submitted that HMRL permitted commercial kiosks and stalls as a part of its non-fare revenue generation and asset monetisation initiatives envisaged under HMRL. “These permissions were granted after obtaining the approval from the competent authority and in accordance with the applicable policies. Moreover, these kiosks and stalls have been set up in designated areas identified by HMRL, subject to the condition that pedestrian movement, public access, safety requirements, and commuter convenience shall not be obstructed in any manner,” added the counsel.
The counsel further added that periodic inspections are conducted to ensure compliance with the laid-down conditions and safety norms.
Justice NV Shravan Kumar, while hearing the petition, noted, “Such commercial stalls also affect and obstruct free traffic movements.”
However, stating that the matter requires examination on whether authorities can grant permissions to such stalls and kiosks on the public premises affecting the regular commuters and pedestrians, the judge directed HMRL and govt counsels to place before the court their responses and other relevant govt orders.
The petitioner’s counsel Vijay Gopal submitted that the petitioner has also lodged complaints with regard to such encroachments on the footpaths at ESI Hospital and Ameerpet metro stations, but there has been no action on them yet. He also submitted photographs of encroachments and sought directions to GHMC and other concerned authorities to remove the said encroachments at the metro stations.
In response, HMRL counsel submitted that HMRL permitted commercial kiosks and stalls as a part of its non-fare revenue generation and asset monetisation initiatives envisaged under HMRL. “These permissions were granted after obtaining the approval from the competent authority and in accordance with the applicable policies. Moreover, these kiosks and stalls have been set up in designated areas identified by HMRL, subject to the condition that pedestrian movement, public access, safety requirements, and commuter convenience shall not be obstructed in any manner,” added the counsel.
The counsel further added that periodic inspections are conducted to ensure compliance with the laid-down conditions and safety norms.