HMR takes city for first real trial; passengers happy with plush train.
A view of the Mettuguda crossroads as seen from top of the Metro Rail structure on Friday. (Photo: DC)
Hyderabad: The trial run of the Hyderabad Metro Rail on Friday, with Telangana ministers, TRS party workers and Metro Rail and L&T big wigs on board, went smoothly. The completely air-conditioned rake had over 350 people who rode from Mettuguda to Uppal. Specially trained personnel manned the doors and attendants ensured that everything, from announcements to the systems in the driverless train, went smoothly.
Unlike the MMTS, a passenger just needs to “walk into” the metro, he or she does not have to take a step up. This is good for senior citizens, children, pregnant women and others. Also, there’s no gap between the platform and the train. With an average speed of 34 kmph, the ride from Mettuguda was smooth and one felt the speed only when the train took a curve.
One could look down on the city passing below, into school playgrounds, terrace restaurants and congested traffic junctions. In fact, those with a fear for heights may feel a bit giddy looking at the city rushing past from above. The plush train is comfortable with adequate sitting and standing space. The display on the screen gives indication of the station and the route-map of all the stations. There is also a separate section for the physically challenged. Once the doors close, they can’t be opened from the inside. They only open at the stations. All the three coaches are interlinked and one can move from one end of the train to the other freely.
Sultan Bazaar to get hawker plaza:
Sultan Bazaar traders, who are opposing the Metro on its original route, will be given the “best compensation” and hawkers will be accommodated in a special “hawkers’ plaza” to be built specifically for them, said IT minister K.T. Rama Rao on Friday. He said, “We have studied the alternative options for the Metro route at the Assembly and Sultan Bazaar and found that they are not feasible. In Sultan Bazaar, instead of widening the road up to 100 feet, it will be done only up to 65 feet.”
This is an exception by the Hyderabad Metro Rail to ensure that the traders are not badly affected and only a few of their properties are affected. The Sultan Bazaar Traders Association is very upset and has been reiterating that it doesn’t want the Metro Rail to pass through the area. But with a “best compensation” package, it remains to be seen how the traders react.
Metro to touch old city areas, promises Deputy CM:
Metro Rail will definitely reach the Old City. A survey is currently going on in the Old City and till that is completed, the Hyderabad Metro Rail is not ready to divulge any details.
A source said, “The proposed re-alignment in the Old City has become a bone of contention. All the options are now being studied. But the Old City will have a metro rail and there is no way it will be denied.” Deputy Chief Minister Mahmood Ali said, “Instead of concentrating on airport there is a need to work on the Metro Rail and ensure that this world class facility is provided to all.”
TS leaders, L&T chiefs take ride:
IT minister K.T. Rama Rao, along with Deputy Chief Minister Mahmood Ali, home minister Nayani Narasimha Reddy, managing director of Hyderabad Metro Rail N.V.S. Reddy and L& T Hyderabad Metro Rail managing director V.B. Gadgil, along with senior officers, TRS leaders and a media contingent, took the eight-minute ride from Mettuguda to Uppal on Friday.
It was the first trial run of the Metro with ministers, senior government officers and others. L&T used its existing permission for operational and technical purposes for the trial run. The licence expires this month. A study is being conducted to extend it by a further 83 km and connect it with the airport. Mr Rama Rao added that feeder services in terms of buses, battery-operated vehicles and also parking areas would be provided. “There will be a bike station keeping the environmental factors in mind. The last mile connectivity to the Metro Rail is important and it will be provided,” Mr Rama Rao informed reporters.
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( Source : deccan chronicle )
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