Telangana: Phase-I Metro Rail to commence, RTC to cut 50 percent services

Hyderabad: With the commencement of Phase-I of Metro services in Hyderabad, from Nagole to Miyapur, will see 50% reduction in RTC’s regular transport services in this area.

The Telangana State Road Transport will be diverting buses working on this route to areas that are not connected to the Metro Rail.

Currently, 3,777 buses function in Greater Hyderabad Zone and nearly 400 buses are driven to bus depots for repairs daily.

A Purushotham Naik, Executive Director of RTC (Greater Hyderabad Zone), said that with the commencement of Phase-I Metro services the corporation will be focusing on providing connectivity to Metro stations from various parts of the city.

“We will not have particular buses between Nagole and Miyapur as the route is covered by the LB Nagar-Lingampally service. But we will operate 50 per cent of the buses along this corridor for disabled and elderly commuters. The Metro provides a lift and escalator for reaching stations, but not getting down from them. Passengers have to climb down the steps from the stations, which is an impediment to old and disabled commuters,” he said.

He added that these areas Kushaiguda-Afzalgunj, Uppal-Secunderabad, Miyapur-Secunderabad are the major RTC corridors.

“We operate 10 services between Uppal and Secunderabad, and 22 services between Miyapur and Secunderabad. After the commencement of the Metro Rail between Nagole and Miyapur, we will reduce regular buses by 50 per cent on these corridors and will shift them to new routes,” he said.

He further stated that after the completion of Metro Rail works in Hyderabad, the RTC shall reschedule all city routes.

“Currently, the available buses in Greater Hyderabad Zone are more than enough for the city’s requirements. We don’t need any more new buses, just old buses to be replaced,” he said.