Mumbai, Oct. 30 -- Hyderabad is exploring a Personal Rapid Transit System (PRTS) to improve last-mile connectivity for Metro Rail commuters and ease traffic congestion. Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMRL) and consultant LEA Associates South Asia held a stakeholder workshop after completing a techno-economic feasibility study for the proposed network.

The study identified two corridors for examination. The Raidurg-Kukatpally corridor would connect Raidurg and Hitec City Metro Rail stations with the Financial District, while the Secretariat-Secunderabad corridor would cover Hussainsagar, Begumpet, Assembly and Secunderabad West Metro Rail stations.

Consultants presented the objectives of the study, compared the capacities of different public transport systems and outlined the proposed PRTS network. The assessment also covered ridership, possible depot locations and alignment challenges associated with developing the corridors.

HMRL managing director Sarfaraz Ahmed said feedback was being collected from government and private stakeholders to advance the project. He described the proposed system as a reliable, comfortable, environmentally friendly and technology-driven mobility solution that could support Metro ridership, reduce dependence on private vehicles and address congestion in rapidly expanding urban areas.

The workshop was attended by representatives of the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority, Hyderabad Growth Corridor, Hyderabad Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, Commissionerate of Municipal Administration and Urban Development, Directorate of Town and Country Planning, Hyderabad and Cyberabad traffic police, Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation, Telangana Southern Power Distribution Company, Telangana State Road Transport Corporation, South Central Railway and other departments. Academics, engineers and transport planners from IIT Hyderabad, IIIT Hyderabad and Osmania University also participated.

Ahmed said the study followed directions from Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to examine sustainable last-mile solutions around Metro stations and high-density activity centres. The project is proposed under a public-private partnership model, with government adviser N.V.S. Reddy highlighting its potential to connect Metro stations more effectively with commuters' destinations.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.