Hyderabad: A team of senior officers of Public Works Department of Delhi led by Secretary, PWD Mr.Sarvagya Srivastava met MD, HMRL Mr.NVS Reddy at Metro Rail Bhavan today to understand as to how to handle various challenges in execution of mega projects in urban areas. They spent a day here to learn the intricacies of public private partnership (ppp) mode, as they are planning to take up major works like inter-state bus terminal, TOD projects, flyovers etc., in ppp mode in New Delhi.
Explaining the challenges of ppp projects, Mr.NVS Reddy gave a power point presentation on how to successfully overcome various hurdles. He advised them to develop passion and commitment, as implementation of urban projects in ppp mode requires enormous patience, tact, grit and determination to succeed. He highlighted the innumerable challenges faced by Hyderabad Metro in handling religious/sensitive structures, acquisition of properties to create right of way, handling agitations and vested interests, shifting of utilities like water, sewer and electrical lines without disruption of day-to- day life in the city. He informed them as to how HMRL won 190 out of the 200 and odd legal suits filed against it in the High Court. Explaining the plantation drive, tree translocation etc., taken up by HMRL, he showed them how a project that was once “written off” by it’s critics is now winning prestigious international awards.
Emphasizing on adequate legal, financial and technical knowledge and good communication skills as pre-requisites for the head of the organization implementing ppp projects, Mr.Reddy advised them to develop a broad outlook for successful implementation of projects. He has also given examples of technical and design innovation which helped Hyderabad Metro to convert 85% of it’s works to precast mode to facilitate easy flow of traffic while carrying out the Metro works on the highly congested roads of Hyderabad.
Mr. Reddy mentioned that Hyderabad Metro Rail is not a simple transportation project, but an urban rejuvenation effort to convert an Indian city as people friendly global green city. He added that commuter friendly facilities like walkways, skywalks, bus bays, drop offs, auto stands, bicycle stations and greenery are being provided at Metro stations. To provide seamless travel experience, Metro Rail system will be integrated with Railway stations, bus depots and MMTS services. Feeder bus services will provide last mile connectivity.
The Chief Engineers and other team members of PWD, New Delhi appreciated the efforts of the MD and his team in successfully implementing a very complex ppp project. The team also visited some Metro Rail stations and Uppal Metro Rail depot. (NSS)
Hyderabad Metro Rail Project – New challenges
