Hyderabad: NITI Aayog Advisor Sunita Sanghi and Director Jeetendra Singh on Saturday met Hyderabad Metro Rail MD NVS Reddy to discuss the successful strategies adopted in and the innovative features of the Hyderabad Metro Rail project. They were specifically keen on learning from the experience of the Hyderabad Metro which is world’s largest PPP Metro in tackling challenges of implementation of mega PPP projects.
NVS Reddy gave a detailed presentation as to how the Metro Rail would reduce traffic congestion and pollution levels for ensuring better air quality to provide world class hassle free transportation in Hyderabad. He explained them the latest features in different fields of engineering such as CBTC (Communication Based Train Control) signaling technology which is being introduced for the first time in India and the innovative design of Metro stations on single row of pillars with “spine and wings” concept.
He has also explained that the Hyderabad Metro Rail is not only a high end transport facility but is being developed as an urban redesign wherein better walk ways are provided at station locations with facilities such as bus bays, drop offs, auto stands, bicycle stations, and greenery. To provide seamless travel experience, Government of Telangana is also planning to synchronize the Metro Rail system with Railway stations, bus depots and feeder bus services as last mile connectivity. MD, HMR has also apprised the NITI Aayog members that HMR has taken up many proactive measures in the initial stages of the project to counter the misinformation campaign by some persons against Metro Rail.
NVS Reddy has also apprised HMR’s plantation drive wherein 2,000 affected trees were translocated and 4 lakh saplings were planted. Mr. Reddy also informed that from a “written off” stage at the beginning, the project has come a long way and is receiving several prestigious international awards even before completion of the project.
The senior officials of NITI Aayog appreciated the efforts of the MD and his team in successfully implementing a very complex PPP project in Hyderabad which will be a role model for many other infrastructure projects in the country. Later the team visited some Metro Rail stations and Uppal Metro Rail depot. Appreciating the layout and the world class standards adopted in construction of the Metro Rail depot and the unique design of the Metro stations, they have also praised the commuter facilities and aesthetic surroundings developed at ground level for Uppal and Nagole Metro Rail stations. (INN)