HMRL and LEA Associates discuss PRTS plans to ease congestion and improve Metro connectivity. (Image: hmrl.co.in)

Hyderabad: Hyderabad is exploring a Personal Rapid Transit System (PRTS) to provide citizens with more convenient public transport, improve last-mile connectivity for Metro Rail commuters and ease traffic congestion. A techno-economic feasibility study has been conducted, and a stakeholder workshop was organised on Tuesday by Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL) and consultant agency LEA Associates South Asia Pvt Ltd.

The consultants presented the background and objectives of the study, comparing capacities of various public transport systems and detailing the PRTS proposal. Two study areas were identified: the Raidurg–Kukatpally corridor, including Raidurg and Hitec City Metro Rail stations and the Financial District; and the Secretariat–Secunderabad corridor, covering Hussainsagar, Begumpet, Assembly and Secunderabad West Metro Rail stations. The presentation outlined the proposed PRTS network, ridership assessments, potential depot sites and alignment challenges.

HMRL managing director Sarfaraz Ahmed said comprehensive feedback was being collected from government and private stakeholders to move the project forward. “The proposed PRTS would serve as a reliable, comfortable, environmentally friendly and technology-driven mobility solution. It would increase Metro ridership, reduce dependence on private vehicles and ease congestion in rapidly growing urban areas,” he said.

The workshop was attended by representatives of HMRL, HMDA, HGCL, HUMTA, GHMC, CMC, DTCP, Hyderabad and Cyberabad traffic police, TSIIC, TGSPDCL, TGSRTC, South Central Railway, Hyderabad collectorate, I&CAD, as well as ITS planners, engineers and academics from IIT Hyderabad, IIIT Hyderabad and Osmania University.

Ahmed said the study was initiated following directions from Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to explore innovative and sustainable solutions for last-mile connectivity around Metro Rail stations and high-density activity centres.

The project, proposed under the public-private partnership mode, is intended to help Metro passengers reach their destinations seamlessly after travelling on the Metro network. Government adviser N.V.S. .Reddy highlighted the potential benefits of PRTS and its role in improving connectivity between Metro stations and commuters’ destinations.

Tags: