The IIT-Delhi will conduct a study for the Hyderabad Metro Rail Ltd (HMR), which will explore and suggest measures to integrate different modes of transport — the MMTS, the APSRTC, and SCR services — with the metro rail so as to ensure a seamless travel experience for commuters. Pedestrian facilities, cycling and other non-motorised modes of transport at Metro Rail stations will also be explored.
“The study report will be prepared within five months; and based on its assessment, central financial assistance will be sought for the provision of these facilities under the JNNURM and other government schemes,” said N.V.S. Reddy, managing director, HMR. The IIT will identify interchange points of different modes of transport, pedestrian access facilities within 0.5 km to 1km of metro rail radius, and cycling and other non-motorised access requirements within 3km radius of Metro stations.
Access facilities for the transfer of passengers from bus stops, MMTS stations and railway terminals to and from metro rail stations will be identified. The study will also provide the basis for running dedicated feeder bus services in metro rail catchment areas and colonies as well as activity areas around Metro rail stations. The sky-walks will give direct access to the nearby office and shopping complexes, malls, and school buildings.. “The feasibility study costing `19 lakh, which was sanctioned by the Centre under the JNNURM scheme, will aim to make the HMR project a better model for the country and facilitate redesigning Hyderabad city as an eco-friendly city with less carbon emissions,” Mr Reddy explained.
Mr Reddy said that work on the stage-I of the Metro Rail was going on in full swing, and that 57 Metro Rail pillar foundations had been excavated. He said 50 foundations and 20 piers (pillars) had been completed along the Nagole-Mettuguda stretch of corridor III in the city.