HYDERABAD: In a first, WRI India Ross Centre for sustainable cities, Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF) in collaboration with Telangana Government and Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMR) have called upon entrepreneurs to come out with tech-based solutions to make public transport initiatives safer, more affordable and convenient, and to integrate them with other public modes of transport.
Called the STAMP (Station Access and Mobility Programme) Challenge, this open innovation programme in the urban mobility sector is a competition to seek possible innovative solutions to improve first and last mile connectivity to Metro transit in Hyderabad. The open innovation challenge will bring together the ideas from technology and service providers, mobility entrepreneurs, NGOs, corporations and citizens to co-create solutions for bridging the last mile gap. The STAMP challenge will offer the top three business solutions of $ 50,000 financial assistance along with mentor ship and support to collaborate to design and implement last mile solutions.
Speaking on the occasion, NVS Reddy said that Metro rail will be backbone of the city and multi-modal integration is the key to move towards easy and convenient commute. “Previously, experts laughed at us stating the HMR project on PPP mode was not possible but we relentlessly pursued for the project and it took off successfully despite facing several hurdles in the implementation. .’’
A memorandum of understanding was reached between HMRL, LTMRHL and Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCI) on battery charging for electrical vehicles between at Metro stations. Chairman of TS Road Safety Authority T Krishna Prasad said that state government is incorporating Road Safety Authority (RSA) for which Act is being drafted and would be introduced in Assembly for its passage, Government is concerned over the pedestrians.