The Telangana government has announced plans to divide the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) into four separate corporations, a major decision set to reshape the city’s governance structure. Telangana’s Roads and Buildings Minister, Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, revealed this plan on Friday, October 4, in anticipation of the upcoming GHMC elections scheduled for February 2026. This significant move has sparked widespread attention, given its implications for Hyderabad’s administration and development.
Government’s Vision: Dividing GHMC to Improve Governance
During the Urban Infrastructure Summit 2024 hosted by Assocham in Hyderabad, Minister Venkat Reddy outlined the state government’s vision for GHMC. The key rationale behind the decision is the rapid population growth in Greater Hyderabad, which is nearing 15 million residents. In response to this demographic surge, the government believes that splitting GHMC into four corporations is essential to effectively manage the city’s expanding needs.
Minister Venkat Reddy noted that after the upcoming elections, Hyderabad would have four separate mayors, each responsible for overseeing one of the new corporations. This statement took many by surprise, as it had not been previously discussed in such detail. However, the minister did not offer further specifics on the implementation timeline or the areas that would form these new divisions.
Historical Context: GHMC’s Growth and Zoning
The GHMC was officially established on April 16, 2007, through the merger of 12 municipalities with the Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad (MCH). This merger was part of an effort by the then-Andhra Pradesh government to streamline the city’s administration. Over the years, the GHMC has evolved into a sprawling urban entity that was further subdivided into six zones and 150 divisions to facilitate better governance.
The proposed reorganization into four corporations represents the next step in adapting the city’s structure to its rapid expansion and urban development. The idea of restructuring has been under consideration since March 2024, when Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy tasked officials with devising plans for GHMC’s future in light of its accelerated growth.
Political Ramifications and Election Dynamics
This bold proposal comes at a critical time as the GHMC elections loom in February 2026. By announcing the division of GHMC now, the Congress government, which is currently in power, has sparked conversations about the potential political benefits and challenges this move may bring. The creation of four corporations, each with its own mayor, may lead to significant shifts in power dynamics within the city, as political parties vie for control over these new entities.
The announcement was met with cautious optimism by stakeholders present at the summit, including industrialists, real estate developers, and urban planners. However, the lack of detailed information regarding the geographical boundaries and administrative frameworks for the four new corporations has left many with unanswered questions.
Criticism and Opposition: The BRS Response
The proposal to restructure GHMC has not been without its detractors. Venkat Reddy used the summit as an opportunity to criticize the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), accusing the opposition party of politicizing the Musi Riverfront Development Project. According to Reddy, the BRS government, when in power, secured a ₹1,000 crore loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the Musi River cleanup. Now, in opposition, the BRS has reversed its stance and is opposing the project, despite its potential public health benefits.
The Musi River has been a longstanding environmental concern for the people of Hyderabad, with waste from pharmaceutical companies and untreated water being released into the river, causing health issues for residents of areas like Nalgonda and Rangareddy. Despite the opposition’s efforts to derail the project, Minister Reddy emphasized the government’s commitment to moving forward with the initiative, stating that it remains in the public’s best interest.
Future Development Plans: Regional Ring Road and Beyond
In addition to the GHMC reorganization, Minister Venkat Reddy also highlighted other major infrastructure projects in the pipeline. One of the most significant projects is the Regional Ring Road (RRR), an ambitious ₹28,000 crore initiative funded by the National Highways