May 17, 2008

Hyderabad Metro to link up airport with 12 kilometer stretch

BL reported that the USD 2.2 billion Hyderabad Metro Rail Ltd, a project aimed at providing mass rapid transport system and decongest the city, may now be extended to the new Rajiv Gandhi International Airport by adding a new line of 12 kilometer in the next phase.

Mr NVS Reddy MD of Hyderabad Metro Rail Ltd said that the financial bids for the project will be called by April and a developer from among five in the fray will be chosen by June. He said that the project being guided by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and with the support of consultants Span Semaly will have three major corridors.

He added that each station will be truly world class with adequate parking and circulating areas. The first phase of three lines will cover 66 kilometer stretch and with the need felt to add a mass transit system to airport, it is now proposed to add additional 12 kilometer stretch to the second line from Secunderabad that passes through Old City and reaches the airport. This is expected to cut short time and add to convenience. He also said that to make these three major lines accessible to people, it is proposed to link them up with feeder bus services.

Once the financial bids are through, the build, own and operate developer would be chosen from among the five consortia led by Magna Allmore, Reliance ADAG, Navabharat, GVK and Essar.