HYDERABAD: The D-day for the inauguration of Hyderabad Metro Rail is fast approaching, but a closer look at the 24 stations that are to be opened to the public soon shows that construction of footpaths near several of them are still pending. The contractors who have taken up the job of landscaping, beautification, and building of footpaths and elevated slabs to access the trains, seem to be in no hurry to meet the deadline of November 28.
A horticulture contractor employed to plant saplings, and for other beautification works, says things slowed down due to delay in payment of dues and shortage of labour. “My dues from January were paid off only last month,” he says. “It’s not feasible to carry on works using our personal investments. Now, the delay is more due to scarcity of trained labour.”
“Since the Prime Minister is only expected to travel from Miyapur to Ameerpet, there is no need to rush things,” says another contractor working near JNTU station. However, the HMRL had given a clear deadline of November 25 for completion of all beautification works across the stretch that is to be inaugurated.
At several places like KPHB Colony, Moosapet, ESI, Ameerpet and Mettuguda, works might prolong for another two weeks, at least, as digging of roads to construct pickup and drop points have just begun.
The stretch between Maitrivanam and Ameerpet — which was closed for an entire month to accelerate the construction of crucial interchange viaduct —continues to be a nightmare for motorists.
“The road needs immediate repair. It’s riddled with potholes and everyday I see some biker falling down here,” claims a commuter. “The deadline for beautification works is November 25, but there will always be few minor works that will go on continuously. This is not a cause of much worry,” claimed HMRL General Manager BN Rajeshwar.
User guide for metro rail users
The HMRL on Wednesday released guidelines for metro users on how to buy a ticket and use a lift at metro stations. Below are the guidelines
Occasional metro users can opt for a token system than a smart card. Those using a smart card can top up their card at ticketing counters located at the unpaid concourse level of the stations or at dedicated Ticket Vending Machines or Add Value Machines (AVM) and from online website.
Token has to be kept safely and drop at the exit gate at the station of passenger destination.
X ray baggage scanners and door frame metal detectors to be deployed.
Weight of passenger baggage to be limited to 10 kg
Smart card and tokens not required for children below 90 centimetre or 3 feet of height.
Dedicated access for wheelchair-bound passengers
Tactile flooring to enable visually-impaired passengers to access and exit the station smoothly
Customer service center at all stations