Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao will launch the much-awaited LB Nagar-Ameerpet Metro Corridor Rail as part of second phase in July last week or August first week. This will reduce the traffic woes of people to a significant extent and there was no scope for reducing ticket prices, which are said to be on higher side.
This was stated by MA&UD and IT Minister KT Rama Rao at a press conference at LB Nagar Metro Station on Wednesday. Earlier, the minister had a trial run of the train from Ameerpet Metro Station to LB Nagar Metro station along with Transport Minister P Mahender Reddy, Mayor Bonthu Rammohan, Metro Rail Chief NVS Reddy and others. Later, the minister said the metro rail cost was not that high as was being said by a section of people compared to metros in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru or others.
Since the Metro Rail is being taken up on a public-private partnership (PPP) mode, the cost borne by the company will be recovered by the companies involved and there was no immediate scope to reduce the prices of tickets, the minister said. When the operations of Metro Rail launched full-fledged in the second phase, including that of MGBS, Falaknuma and others, there was a chance to ponder upon the price cut, he clarified.
The Metro Rail in Hyderabad boasts of high end technology, innovative plan and the world class facilities to cater to the changing needs of the people. Related problems at metro stations will be sorted out soon on finalizing the tenders for multi-level parking at 42 places by supporting commercial activities, he said. In addition to starting charging points for electricity vehicles, the RTC will soon start 500 electric buses to avoid pollution.
He further said Metro Rail facility will be extended up to Falaknuma and connect travellers and people at MGBS and Nampally stations. Metro Rail and L&T were instructed to take steps to protect the historic and hereditary structures along this stretch by beautifying the precincts, he said. The Hitech City Metro will be launched in October, he added. (NSS)