By Syed Zainulabedin, TwoCircles.net,
Hyderabad: The dream of a mass transit system in Hyderabad, capital of Andhra Pradesh is coming to reality as the work for Hyderabad Metro Rail is on at brisk pace. If everything continues smoothly the first train on one of the three corridors is likely hit the tracks at the end of 2014 or in early 2015.
Mohd Ziauddin, Chief General Manager of Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMR) disclosed this while talking to newsmen here on Tuesday evening. He said after completing all the work on three corridors Miyapur - L.B. Nagar, Secunderabad - Faluknuma and Nagole --Shilparamam the metro train will cover 72 kilometers and cater the needs of 8 million population of this city spread on 6825 sq km area of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation limits.
The cost of this public-private-project, which is first of its kind in the country, has although gone up to Rs.14,000 crores from estimated Rs.12,132 crores three years ago, but it will not be burden on the public instead citizens and visitors of Hyderabad will get more benefits. So far 483 foundations, 351 piers (pillars) have been put up on all along 29 km which includes Nagole to Mettuguda , Miyapur to SR Nagar and LB Nagar to MGBS by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) company which bagged the construction and operation contract from the state government.
Kolkata was the first city in India to introduce metro train services way back in 1984. However, the wide network of metro service in Delhi, where it began in 2005, helped great deal in transportation within the city. Metro service has also begun in Bengaluru.
Hyderabad Metro Rail will be fully automated and elevated with 66 stations on all three corridors equipped with all world class facilities such as elevators, stairs and parking for the riders. Mini buses by HMR will run to pick up and drop off the passengers from lanes and by lanes of the city neighborhoods to the nearest train station.
The trains will operate 20 hours a day between 4 AM to 12. AM and carry 66,000 passengers per hour. The first shipment of train cars is expected next month from Paris (France) and these fully air conditioned aluminum built cars with saloon door opening and closing alarm will have mobile and laptop charging facilities for the passengers. Moreover all cars and stations will have CCTV cameras to ensure the safety of passengers specially the women. HMR seeking the input and suggestions from girls and women to see what more could be done to provide fool proof security to them when Metro Rail is in full operation, Ziauddin added.
Replying to a question the Chief General Manager said that Metro Rail will serve the 42 lakhs people who uses public transport every day in the city and also reduce the 3100 ton pollution built up in Hyderabad every year from lakhs of four and two wheelers, autos and buses on the road. He said lot of people who uses public transport will also save their traveling time too and added that the distance of 28 kms between Miyapur to LB Nagar will be covered in 45 minutes with 27 stops compare to 1 hour 45 minutes in the bus. Secunderabad to Faluknuma ( 14 Km) will be completed in just 22 minutes with 17 stops on the route which is usually take 1 hour 20 minutes in the bus. The bus ride from Nagole to Shilparamam (27 kms) took 1 hour 22 minutes but Metro Rail will cover this distance in 39 minutes with 23 stops.
The fare is going to be reasonable and affordable with the minimum of Rs.8 and Rs.19 at highest slab. The average fare will be Rs.12. Mohd Ziauddin said the train with the average speed of 33 KMPH and 80 KMPH will be available for every 3-5 minutes during the peak hours.
To another question he said that work on between Faluknuma and Daurlshifa will be taken at a later stage as road widening is required in this part of old city. The roads are narrow, religious structures and heritage buildings are the main obstruction and HMR trying to avoid these structures as much possible as can. The local MLAs also want a change in route and stations and represented their case with the state government. We are waiting for the final words from the state chief minister in this regard. When asked if the state bifurcated and a Telengana state formed HMR would be affected, Ziauddin said Metro will serve every one regardless as this city is a home for people from all over the country.