About HMRL
With a view to providing a single point nodal agency to co-ordinate with the various government, semi-government, and private agencies and for facilitating the implementation of the Hyderabad Metro Rail project, Government had established a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) in the form of Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited as it’s fully owned undertaking. It is handling the largest metro project in the world in public-private partnership (PPP) mode implemented on DBFOT (Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer) basis. In 2007, Sri NVS Reddy was appointed as Managing Director of Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited. It has covered a distance of about 69 km in the first phase, and now the second largest metro network in our country, after Delhi Metro.
Mission of HMRL
“To create an efficient, safe, reliable, economical & world class public transportation system in Hyderabad which will facilitate the city’s transformation as a competitive global city with high quality of life”
Vision of HMRL
Hyderabad Metro Rail aims to create vibrant urban spaces through best mobility solutions and transform the lives of denizens in Hyderabad city.
Hyderabad before Metro
The population of Hyderabad is around 13 million. In order to address the growing public transportation needs and also to mitigate the growing road traffic in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, the then State Government and the South-Central Railway had earlier jointly launched the Multi Modal Transport System (MMTS) in August 2003. However, as Hyderabad continued to grow, the MMTS alone was not sufficient to meet the demands of public transport. Urban Development approved the construction of the Hyderabad Metro Rail project.
Based on the Traffic and Transportation studies which were conducted by various agencies, the then Government of Andhra Pradesh (GoAP) approved the development of Hyderabad Metro Rail project in three high density traffic corridors of the city, in Phase One.
Three Corridors
Corridor-I (Red Line) : Miyapur to LB Nagar (29 kms; 27 stations)
Corridor-II (Green Line) : JBS to MGBS (11.2 kms; 10 stations)
Corridor-III (Blue Line) : Nagole to Raidurg (29 kms; 23 stations)
The Timeline of HMR Project
In the month of July, 2010 after rebidding process, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) emerged as the lowest bidder for the project. Larsen & Toubro Metro Rail Hyderabad Private Limited (LTMRHL) is the concessionaire of the project. The ground works of the project started in July 2012 and the operations of the system commenced from November 2017 onwards in 5 stages:
Details of Commissioned Stretches
Corridor | Stretch / Km | Opening Date |
Corridor-I & III | Miyapur – Ameerpet – Nagole opened for public – 29.11.2017 (30 KM) | Inaugurated on 28.11.2017 |
Corridor-I | Ameerpet – LB Nagar (16 KM) | Inaugurated on 24.09.2018 |
Corridor-III | Ameerpet – Hitec City (10.5 KM) | Inaugurated on 20.03.2019 |
Corridor-III | Hitec City – Raidurg (1.5 KM) | Inaugurated on 29.11.2019 |
Corridor-II | JBS – MGBS (11 KM) | Inaugurated on 07.02.2020 |
TOTAL : 69 KM |
Highlights of Hyderabad Metro Rail:
- Stations at approximately every kilometre.
- Connects major offices, retail and residential areas – The two tracks (up and down lines) pass through the arterial roads of the city.
- Connects major bus stations at Miyapur, MGBS, Koti, Dilsukhnagar, Charminar and Jubilee Bus Station.
- Integration with all the main rail terminals of the city at Secunderabad, Begumpet and Nampally.
- Link to MMTS services at Bharatnagar, Begumpet, Khairatabad, Malakpet.
- Feeder bus services to stations from different areas of the city.
- Green & Eco-friendly mode of travel – reduces carbon emission, fuel consumption and pollution.
- Faster, safer and comfortable air-conditioned travel with reduced travel time.
- Ultra-modern coaches.
- High frequency of trains with hardly any waiting time.
- User-friendly stations with lifts, staircases and facilities for the disabled.
- Parking facility at strategic locations along the route at the designated areas provided by the GoTG.
- Automatic ticket vending machines – reducing waiting time in queues and counters.
- Automatic fare collection system – hassle free entry and exit from the stations.
- Essential facilities at stations – toilets, public address and information system, telephones.
HMR Highlights
Commuter Facilities:
- Ticketing Counters/Booths have been provided at all Stations along with Ticket Vending Machines making ticketing process simpler and faster.
- Pedestrian facilities from the road to the concourse/car park and/or to the ticket counters and back have been provided to enable unhindered smooth flow of pedestrians using the Metro and making the commuting experience comfortable.
- Toilets are provided separate for male and female and for disabled and normal passengers.
- Facilities for disabled are provided at all stations for their safe movement from parking areas to the platforms and back. Lifts and escalators are also provided at Stations for the use of passengers including the physically challenged.
- Facility of vending mineral water, cool drinks, coffee and tea are provided at all Stations.
- Other retail areas which would enhance the experience of the rider have also been integrated in station planning.
- Signages are designed, with instant message transfer to passengers, from street level guiding at concourse level to platform level.
Frequency of Services
Hyderabad Metro Rail is operational from 06:00 AM to 11:00 PM. The first train starts at 06:00 AM and last train departs at 11:00 PM from all terminal stations.
Peak Hours (08:00 AM to 11:00 AM & 05:00 PM to 08:00 PM)
Corridor-1 (4 Minutes interval)
Corridor-2 (12 minutes interval)
Corridor-3 (4 minutes interval)
Non peak Hours (min. 5 minutes to max 12 minutes interval)
Inauguration
Nagole-Miyapur Route Inauguration
The Prime Minister of India, Sri Narendra Modi inaugurated the first leg of the Hyderabad Metro rail project from the Miyapur rail station on November 28th, 2017 and was opened to public on the next day. PM was accompanied by the Governor of Telangana & AP, Sri E.S.L. Narasimhan, Telangana Chief Minister Sri K. Chandrasekhar Rao and Municipal Administration Minister Sri. K.T. Rama Rao, while flagging off the first metro ride in Hyderabad.
The 30 km-long first phase of the project between Miyapur and Nagole with 24 stations was thrown open for regular operations. It is indeed a moment of reckoning, with a long-pending dream, coming true in the form of a rapid, world-class transit system.
LB Nagar to Ameerpet Metro Launch
The 16-km long Ameerpet – LB Nagar Metro rail stretch was opened for commercial operations from September 24, 2018, making the entire Corridor-I from LB Nagar to Miyapur operational. The Governor of Telangana and AP, Sri ESL Narasimhan and Telangana Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MAUD) Minister Sri K.T.Rama Rao flagged off the Metro train at Ameerpet station. This corridor has a length of 29 km, with a total of 27 stations.
Launch of Ameerpet - Hi-Tec City Metro Line
The Ameerpet – Hi-Tec City route was opened on March 20, 2019 in “twin single line” method. The Governor of Telangana and AP Sri ESL Narasimhan inaugurated this stretch in the presence of Metro officials. With the opening of this line a major part of Nagole-Raidurg line, i.e., Corridor-III has become operational.
Later on, with the commissioning of reversal facility after Hi-Tec city station, the trains are now running with 3 minutes interval. The Corridor has been further extended upto Raidurg station, 1.5 km from Hi-Tec city station in November, 2019 completing Corridor-3
Launch of Corridor-II
Corridor-II was opened on 07.02.2020 from JBS to MGBS (11 KM) flagged off by Hon’ble Sri K. Chandrashekar Rao, Chief Minister, Telangana State.
Unique Distinction
Ameerpet is one of the largest interchange stations and JBS is at highest level from ground in the country, while MGBS is one of the largest Metro stations in Asia.
Environment Friendly Initiatives
Hyderabad Metro Rail, a green & eco-friendly mode of travel, is a world-class sustainable mode of transport. It has been designed to reduce carbon emissions, consume nil fossil fuels and reduce pollution, thereby contributing for a cleaner and greener environment. Moreover, Hyderabad Metro has undertaken extensive tree plantation drives, to contribute for a green environment. HMR lent its support to the massive tree planting initiative of the Telangana State Government, ‘Haritha Haram’, right from the program’s inception. So far HMRL had implemented over 10 lakh saplings with 85% survival rate and translocated over 2000 big trees with 99% survival rate.
Modern Coaches of Hyderabad Metro
The ultra-modern coaches of Hyderabad Metro Rail features CCTV cameras, mobile and laptop charging sockets inside the car, better humidity control, as well as microprocessor‐controlled brakes for highest convenience and comfort of commuters. The coaches of Hyderabad Metro are fully air-conditioned. The maximum capacity per three car train of Hyderabad Metro is approximately 965 including longitudinal seating, giving a high proportion of the floor area to standing passengers. Each car comprises of longitudinal seats for approximately 40 persons. The coaches have been manufactured by Hyundai Rotem, South Korea with state-of-the-art features.
Last Mile Connectivity
The first and last mile connectivity is being provided through bicycles, smart bikes and taxis. Recently, electric charging points have been launched for bringing in electric vehicles into its fold, while shuttle services have been launched connecting stations in the Hitech region with leading companies in the IT and ITES sector. (with AC – Bus)
Attributes of Hyderabad Metro
Elevators and Escalators
When travelling with metro, the elevators and escalators in metro stations, provide commuters the much-needed comfort. It’s not just a regular commute, but rather a ride of pleasure with these amenities provided for the commuters.
Emergency
During any emergency while on metro rail, commuters can quickly seek help by pressing the ‘Call’ button, placed in all metro coaches. For the exclusive safety and security of women commuters, metro authorities have provided an emergency WhatsApp number, for reporting.
Helpline
For any queries regarding Metro rail, information can be obtained by dialing 040-23332555. The helpline is a useful resource for resolving queries regarding the operational window, timings, route and much more.
Signage
Finding your way in the stations of Hyderabad metro is easy, with signage in four languages. These are placed at strategic points, to facilitate convenient travel.
Communication
There are passenger information display boards and audio announcements from time to time which inform passengers about train operations. Commuters can look forward to a hassle-free journey with the metro.
Women Empowerment
Locopilots
In Hyderabad Metro Rail, women are a major driving force, with many of them already steering its trains, their role as professional Locopilots. Several months of rigorous training is imparted to them, who have already logged in several thousands of kilometres. The Hyderabad Metro has the largest women contingent in the country and they have been trained by experienced drivers. It is therefore no coincidence, that a woman locopilot was part of the crew, during the inaugural run of metro rail, when it was launched by Hon’ble PM of India, Sri Narendra Modi.
Ladies Coaches
Exclusive women-only coaches, in Hyderabad Metro, prove the commitment of the Metro rail project, towards highest safety standards for women. There are seats earmarked for women in other coaches too. In case where anyone else (men or others) occupy ladies only seats or in the instance of any unauthorized entry into women only coaches, it is quite easy to report using WhatsApp to inform the station controller of approaching station. Hyderabad Metro accords highest priority for the secure travel of women.
WhatsApp: 7032224242
Taruni-Women Centric Station
Madhura Nagar station in corridor-III is a totally women-managed and women centric station. It is first ever metro station anywhere in the world dedicated to women.
Smart Ticketing
The automatic ticket vending machines located in Metro stations helps commuters to avoid waiting time in queues. Hyderabad Metro Rail issues a Contactless Smart Token (CST). There is a chip integrated inside the token, reflecting the fare media. The tokens can be purchased at the Ticket Vending Machines (TVM) and the ticketing offices in metro stations (During Covid time QR coded interface has been introduced).
Smart Card
Hyderabad Metro Rail issues a smart card, which is a form of virtual wallet that facilitates seamless travel for the commuters. The smart card can be bought at the ticketing office of any Metro station or through the TSavaari App. There is a non-refundable admin charge of INR 20, collected during the purchase. The minimum amount for recharge is INR 50/- and the maximum amount is INR 3000/-.
Station Retail
Hyderabad Metro is one of the very few Metros in the country to provide a wide range of facilities for commuters. The metro stations have been designed in such a way to provide extensive space for retail shops and outlets, wherein commuters can also fulfil their shopping needs. Right from ATMs to Pharmacy, Groceries to Refreshments, many shops are coming up at different metro stations to cater to several needs of commuters, who don’t have to spend extra time for shopping after they leave metro stations.
Specially Abled Person Friendly
There are signages and other disable friendly features provided for the physically challenged to take a safe and comfortable ride on the metro rail. There are dedicated spaces available for wheel chair bound passengers on metro trains while the frontline staff are well trained to handle passengers having special needs. There are necessary arrangements made for the visually impaired too.
Security
Round-the-clock CCTV Surveillance of metro stations premises, is an assurance of safety from Hyderabad Metro Rail, for its valued commuters. Metro rail authorities maintain a constant vigil with CCTV Surveillance. The Scanning machines deployed in Metro stations, are part of effective screening measures, for ensuring a safe commute on the metro.
Metro Aided Transformation of Hyderabad
The Integrated Smart Parking Management System, of Hyderabad Metro has heralded a new era of smart and integrated, digital parking solution for two-wheeler and four-wheeler parking. The paid parking facility called ‘Park Hyderabad’ is available at many metro stations.
The Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMR) has now set its sights to carry around 7 lakh passengers a day in the next two years from the current level of 4.5 lakh passengers. There is also shopping and entertainment infrastructure at the Metro stations to help passengers cut down on the time they spend on the roads. The construction works on the 31 km Metro stretch connecting the IT hub areas with the international airport is expected to start soon so that commuters can reach the airport in just 26 minutes. With the population of Greater Hyderabad, exceeding 13 million, along with a sustained development of the city, is only expected to create more demand for an effective public transport system like Hyderabad Metro. There are already proposals coming up to create new routes, under Phase 2. The highest patronage for metro rail services, within a short span of its inauguration, has made Hyderabad Metro, a resounding success when compared to other green field metro rail projects in the country.
Parking
A major highlight of Hyderabad Metro is the provision of parking spaces for two-wheelers and four-wheelers, near Metro stations. Although there are certain logistical challenges in providing extensive spaces for four-wheeler parking in densely populated areas of Hyderabad city, still this facility has become a boon for commuters, who conveniently park their vehicles especially two-wheelers under the stations and take a quick ride on the metro.
Taruni Fair
The exclusive women’s exhibition, Taruni Fair in 20th April 2019 at Madhuranagar Metro Station had attracted visitors from all over. HMRL created a new milestone, towards women empowerment with this unique initiative. There were about 150 shops selling a wide variety of goods, that were mostly useful for women and children including clothes, healthy foods and others. Women self-help groups of Mission for Elimination of Poverty in Municipal Areas (MEPMA) was allotted more shops. Children’s play area with merry-go-arounds etc. was provided along with village like ambience involving bullock carts, palm trees, pottery making, water well etc. About 1,500 artistes performed at this venue showcasing traditional Telangana and Indian folk arts like Oggu Katha, Burrakatha, Harikatha and dances. Training programmes in paintings, skill development and free yoga classes were also organized as part of Taruni Fair.