PM Modi flags off the first Hyderabad Metro train
What's the story
PM Narendra Modi today flagged off the first train of the Hyderabad Metro from Miyapur. Commercial operations would start tomorrow. The 30-km long first phase has 24 stations between Miyapur and Nagole. Modi, Telangana CM K Chandrasekhar Rao and Governor ESL Narasimhan travelled on the inaugural run from Miyapur to Kukatpally and back. Later, Modi will attend the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Hyderabad.
Project
The original plans were delayed due to several factors
The Hyderabad Metro project started in 2012. It was initially set to be completed by June, but delays in land acquisition, logjams over route alignment and default by the first concessionaire pushed back the schedule. According to Telangana IT Minister KT Rama Rao, this is the biggest PPP project in the world. Officials aim to complete the entire project in another year.
Metro
Three-coach trains, smart cards, mobile apps and more
At the start, three-coach trains (each coach has a capacity of 330) would run daily from 6am-10pm. Depending on demand, three more coaches can be added, with operational timings from 5:30am-11pm. Fares would range from Rs. 10 (2kms) to Rs. 60 (beyond 26kms). Smart Cards will offer commuters discounted travel. A mobile app, 'T Savari', would be launched to provide details about the metro.
Information
Sophisticated CCTV cameras for security, well-connected facilities for smooth movement
The stations would be connected via sky-walks to important stadiums, offices and commercial complexes. Feeder services would also be in place. Sophisticated CCTV cameras, private personnel and police teams will ensure security at the stations. Efforts have been made to ease travel for the differently-abled.
Plans
This is the third metro system launched this year
This year, two other cities have already gotten new transport systems. While Modi inaugurated the Kochi Metro in June, Union Minister Rajnath Singh was present for the launch of the Lucknow Metro in September. The Nagpur Metro is scheduled to be opened in December. For now, the Hyderabad Metro will have 24 stops, including Begumpet, Secunderabad East, Parade Ground, Moosapet, Paradise and Habsiguda.