Hyderabad metro sets off tomorrow. here's 9 things to know about it

By Tanvi Patel

November 28, 2017

The Metro is eco-friendly, convenient for differently-abled, easy on the wallet and promises extra safety measures!

Sounds Interesting? Share it now!

1 Swimming Seas & Touching Skies: Duo Help 5000 Elderly Travel the World, Redefine Ageing

2 A ‘Viral’ Playground Under Mumbai Flyover Is Inspiring Indian Cities To Copy the Model

3 Coimbatore Woman’s Smart Wheelchair With Self-Cleaning Device Bags Rs 1 Cr on Shark Tank

The Hyderabad Metro is all set to be functional from 29 November. PM Modi will inaugurate the Metro today and the 72km long Metro rail will commence its first phase of 30 km tomorrow. Hyderabad Metro Rail managing director NVS Reddy told TOI that it will be the biggest project in the world to operate in a Public-Private-Partnership mode.
Here are nine facts about the project that set it apart from other Metro projects in India:

1. The Hyderabad Metro will be the first metro rail system in the country to operate on a Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) system. This is a telecommunication railway signaling system between the train and tracks that ensures maintenance and optimization of safety through its automation.

2. All the trains that operate on the Metro line will be monitored from an Operation Control Centre at Uppal depot. A large display panel at the depot will indicate the position and movement of trains to passengers.

3. The general public is encouraged to utilize a concourse level at various Metro stations for shopping and as a foot-over bridge. This will add to the convenience of the metro by allowing people to buy their daily necessities on their way home. The planned retail shops include vegetable & fruits stalls, laundry services, grocery stores etc.

4. Hyderabad Metro is going to be eco-friendly too! 64 out of the 69 stations will be partly solar powered. The solar panels will source 14 MW of power out of the total 75MW it requires.

5. Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) has planned 50 feeder buses from select metro stations as well as residential colonies to the IT corridor of the metro. This is done to ease the change in commute.

6. The metro trains and stations will also help the differently-abled. Trains will have road level ramps for easy wheelchair access. Trains will have spaces dedicated to wheelchairs and toilets will also be customised.

Picture for representation purpose. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

7. Tactile strips will extend till the edge of platforms to help the visually impaired. Signs are specially designed with high contrast levels to aid those with partial blindness or cognitive disabilities.

8. Metro Smart Cards will ease fare payments. These cards can be recharged up to Rs. 2000 at one time and are valid for one entire year and are renewable. The cards can be bought at Rs. 200, Rs. 100 out of which will be used as deposit and the rest will be your balance.

9. The minimum fare for a distance of up to two km will be Rs. 10 and the maximum, of more than 26 km will be Rs. 60.