Hyderabad, April 06: Construction work for the Hyderabad Metro Rail project, costing Rs 16,375 crore and spanning over 71 km, will begin soon.
Pre-construction work like soil testing and topographical survey for three corridors- Miyapur-LB Nagar (28.87 km), Jubilee Bus Station-Falaknuma (14.78 km) and Nagole-Shilparamam (27.51 km) have been completed, chief executive and managing director, Larsen & Toubro, Vivek B Gadgil said.
With traffic problems likely after construction work begins, L&T have reportedly done studies to deal with traffic congestion. “We will try our best to minimise traffic jams and see motorists are not put to inconvenience,” Gadgil said. He added that alignment of corridors will be done in a manner where heritage structures are least affected.
Gadgil said once completed, the Metro would provide an eco-friendly mode of transport, reduce carbon emissions and pollution levels to a great extent. “The coaches will be air-conditioned and provide passengers faster, safer and comfortable travel. Automatic ticket vending machines will reduce waiting time in queues,” he said.
The metro corridors will connect bus stations at Miyapur, Imlibun, Koti, Dilsukhnagar, Charminar and Jubilee Bus Station. The Metro will also integrate rail terminals at Secunderabad, Begumpet and Nampally and link MMTS services at Bharatnagar, Begumpet, Khairatabad, Malakpet and Falaknuma. The major challenge, however, is to provide feeder bus services from different areas to the city, Gadgil said.
HMR managing director NVS Reddy told Express the project will provide urban rejuvenation and transform Hyderabad into a green city. He stated the stations are being designed with natural ventilation, skywalks, ramps, escalators, lifts and other commuter-friendly facilities. “Greenery, flower beds, street furniture and pedestrian facilities will make metro stations, a hub of activity and family recreation,” said Reddy.
Louis Berger Consulting Pvt Ltd, a major US-based consultancy company has been roped in by the state government to oversee the design and execution of the project so that it meets technical specifications and safety standards mentioned in the concession agreement.
–Agencies