The Metro Rail system

Based on a number of Traffic and Transportation studies conducted by various agencies, Government of Andhra Pradesh (GoAP) approved development of Hyderabad Metro Rail (MRTS) project in three high density traffic corridors of the city spanning across 72 km in phase-I. Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), Traffic Survey Reports, and other related reports were prepared by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) for the project.

The three corridors spanning a length of approximately 72 km to be taken up in phase-I are as under.

Corridor I: Miyapur – LB Nagar : 29 kms; 27 stations.

Corridor II: JBS – Falaknuma : 15 kms; 16 stations.

Corridor III: Nagole – Shilparamam : 28 kms; 23 stations.

The Metro Rail system under construction is a completely elevated system, generally run in the central median of the road. The viaduct structure for the elevated system is a box girder carrying two tracks on a single pier located on the median of the road.

The track gauge is a Standard Gauge (1435 mm) and the electrical traction is 25 kV AC, 50 Hz overhead traction system. The signaling system caters to the needs of a designed speed of 80 KMPH, with state-of-the-art features consisting of Automatic Train Control (ATC), Automatic Train Protection (ATP) and upgradation facility to Automatic Train Operation (ATO).

The system is designed to cater to 50,000 PHPDT for Corridors I and III and 35,000 PHPDT for Corridor II. It will have to be built, operated, maintained and transferred at the end of the Concession Period as per the provisions of the Concession Agreement. The performance specifications and safety standards are enunciated in the Manual of Specifications & Standards (MSS), a well deliberated and published document of GoAP, based on "output oriented" performance philosophy. The miss provides scope for enough design flexibility and innovation, and it forms part of the Concession Agreement.

Salient Features of the Project

• It is an elevated metro rail, with two tracks (up and down lines) on a deck erected on pillars generally in the central median of the road, without obstructing the road traffic;

• Stations are located at an average interval of 1KM – elevated stations with passenger access through staircases, escalators and lifts;

• Adequate parking space and circulating areas are being provided for multi modal integration at the stations;

• With a frequency of 3 to 5 minutes during peak hours, the system is expected to carry about 17 lakh passengers per day by 2017 and 22 lakh by 2024;

• With a maximum speed of 80 kmph, the average speed of the trains will be 34 kmph – an international standard for MRT systems;

• The travel time by metro rail from one end to another is:

o 45 minutes for Corridor I (Miyapur-L.B.Nagar – 29Km) as against 1 hr 50 minutes by bus;

o 22 minutes for Corridor II (Jubilee Bus Station-Falaknuma-15 Kms) as against 1 hr.10 minutes by bus;

o and 39 minutes for Corridor III (Nagole-Shilparmam-28 Kms) as against 1 hr. 30 minutes by bus;

• Rails will be continuously welded to minimize noise levels;

• Power supply will be through 25 kV AC, 50 Hz overhead traction system;

• Coaches will be air-conditioned with automatic door-closures and many other safety features;

• Signaling system ensures safety and specified speeds through Automatic Train Control (ATC), and Automatic Train Protection (ATP);

• Telecommunication facilities will be state of the art, facilitating continuous communication between Central Control, train drivers and station masters;

• Good inter-modal integration will be provided at all the rail terminals, bus stations, and the MMTS (existing joint venture of GoAP and Railways) stations;

• All stations will have air conditioned "Merry go round" mini-bus services, connecting nearby colonies, business establishments and other popular places;

• Different categories of aesthetic stations are being designed to reflect the local architecture, latest trends, and to avoid/ minimise demolitions. As far as possible, parking and circulation areas will be developed on nearby Govt. lands;

• Eco-friendly Travel Mode – it will reduce air and noise pollution in the city;

• Smart card-based Automatic ticketing & gate systems for passenger convenience and seamless travel; and

• Standard gauge track (1435 mm) to allow sharper curves and gradients.