Hyderabad: Communication between the state government and various coordinating agencies like the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, roads department and the railways is required to ensure that the ‘targeted deadline’ of March 21, 2015 for the Uppal to Mettuguda Metro Rail is met.
L&T Metro is facing many hurdles as the test runs of the trains with sand bags, communication systems and also track clearance have been successfully carried out. They now need to ensure that the Railways check the trains and tracks and give them the safety clearance certificate.
A senior officer of L& T said, “Various former railway employees have been coming and checking on the train and track system. But the certification process is between governments. The state government has to write to the Centre and ask them to provide the certification.”
With the mega project facing lots of issues, officers are concentrating on clearing all the hurdles in this 8 kms stretch and make it fully operational. In a meeting with the Chief Secretary, Rajiv Sharma metro officials pointed out these problems. Another senior officer said, “We are having issues with the GHMC over the last six months for the clearance of advertising, hoardings and also other forms of advertising at the stations.
The stations are built in such a manner that both sides will have huge advertisements as side walls. If the permissions are not given now, how will the frames, boards, neon-light set-ups and other things be in place?”
Apart from this, the stations so far have no clear approach roads. The first and last connectivity adage requires proper pavements, approach roads, parking facilities and bus facilities. There are grand plans being talked about but the ground reality at stations is very different. Another officer said, “This will hit the confidence of the commuters. The facility has to meet its people friendly standard if it has to be successful and the steps need to be taken now.”
There is very little sensitization in the government departments to put up proposals, fix the budgets and get the works done and it is worrying the concessionaire more than ever. Hyderabad Metro Rail Managing Director N. V. S. Reddy stated that the works were being taken up and added “We are aware and tackling the problems. The government meetings are with all departments and communication with each and every department is being taken up.”
