HYDERABAD: The Metro Rail stage-1 from Nagole to Secunderabad railway station (about 9 km) under Corridor-III and stage-2 from Miyapur to SR Nagar (11.9 km) under Corridor-I would be made operational for passenger services early next year, Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMR) managing director NVS Reddy has said.
Metro rail works between Mettuguda and Secunderabad stretch are on fast track and will be completed early next year.
Though the Nagole-Mettuguda (8 km) was completed and was to be operationalised during Ugadi but was put on hold as there would have been revenue losses, so it was decided to extend the stretch up to Secunderabad railway station.
It was combined decision of L&T Metro Rail Hyderabad Limited (LTMRHL) and the state government, he said.
Participating in a ‘Meet-the-Press’ programme organised by the Hyderabad Union of Working Journalists (HUJ) here on Saturday, Reddy said the technical analysis report on change of alignment at the Assembly and Sultan Bazar was submitted to the government for its approval.
With regards to change in alignment in the old city, it would take some more time to submit all the technical reports as the stretch is longer. After the government takes a decision on alignments, commercial costs would be arrived at, he said.
When asked about metro rail making profits, Reddy said that after seven year of break-even, metro rail would run into profits after completion of seven year of metro operations. Few metros in cities like Hong Kong, Singapore and Taipei are running into profits, he pointed out.
Hyderabad Metro would embellish Hyderabad as a global city, change its shape and manifestation besides easing perennial traffic congestion in the city.
Works are going on a fast track. On completion of the project, city would adorn a beautiful look and exemplify myriad varieties of rare and latest features at the stations, he said.
Explaining about the current status of Hyderabad Metro, he said that 49 km foundations, 45 km piers and 36.5 km of viaduct have been completed so far. Precast yard works at Uppal and pier and viaduct works etc are in full swing,
Trains are being manufactured at M/s Hyundai Rotem of South Korea. About 31 trains have been delivered. Installation of signaling, telecom and track are in full swing. The project is expected to be completed by July 2017.
To make the Hyderabad Metro Rail a success, integration with existing rail terminals, MMTS stations and bus depots, merry go round feeder buses between metro stations and catchment areas for a seamless travel is being taken up on priority, he said.