The world is at the cusp of major technological, economic, environmental and cultural changes and challenges today.
Changes in environment in the name of advancement is resulting in unforeseen challenges. These are mostly repercussions of our own deeds. Pollution still stands as a major challenge to mankind around the globe. The dreadful effects of pollution (air and sound) are caused as a result of growing number of two and four wheelers and other individual modes of transportation.
Hyderabad has over 3 million owned cars and the number has only been growing year over year. Aside from owned cars, there are buses, cabs, trucks and other transport vehicles, along with two-wheelers.
The roads are filled end to end choking streets / roads with absolutely no space left. No wonder the transport sector in Hyderabad produces the greatest proportion of Green House Gas emissions, accounting for over 50%, compared to any other Indian city.
In 2015, Government of India launched National Air Quality Index (AQI) in major metros across the country. AQI shows real time data about the level of pollutants in the air and also educate citizens about the possible impacts on health. Hyderabad was among the 10 select cities where AQI was launched. The index takes 8 pollutants into consideration - PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, CO, O3, NH3 and Pb.
It won’t come as a surprise that Hyderabad stood
at the top of the list with the worst pollution and traffic jams in India. The
city has reportedly one of the worst air qualities, PM2.5 at 38 and PM10 level
at 87.
Air Pollution in Hyderabad is at very high level
at 76.92. Fine grained dust penetrates into lungs. Airborne pollutants like
soot mixed with smoke passes out from exhaust pipes to continuously spoil the
air, adding to long term health deterioration. According to a study conducted
by World Health Organization (WHO), poor air quality reduces the lifespan of
the average citizen by 3.2 years.
Noise and light pollution is at 52.68 which
is a moderate level while pollution due to dirty and untidy environment is at
69.07 which is not a good sign. It’s not surprising that vehicular traffic is
the major contributor to air pollution.
Adding to fuel to fire, lack of driving
etiquette, blockage of free left turns, roadside vendors, and uneven movement
of pedestrians make traffic congestion in the city even worse.
Only solution that puts an end to all worries of commuters
Hyderabad has been awaiting for a solution
to these perennial issues. People may not have even dreamt that a single
solution can that can save them from all these ever bugging worries.
Thanks to the then Government of Andhra
Pradesh (now Government of Telangana) for their vision and dedication for
betterment of the city and lives of residents.
Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMR) is the panacea
that will put an end to all obstacles that have denied a smooth commute to
their destinations.
HMR has been conceived and designed as one
of the largest modern transport systems in the world based upon the Public
Private Partnership (PPP) model.
Larsen and Toubro Limited (L&T), a
global engineering and construction giant, was awarded the Hyderabad Metro Rail
Project by the Government. L&T incorporated a Special Purpose Vehicle -
L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad) Limited (LTMRHL) to implement the Project on
Design, Built, Finance Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) basis.
The Metro project is undoubtedly the largest,
prestigious and challenging project in recent times and its execution progressing
in full swing. HMR will transform Hyderabad into a futuristic destination in
sync with the best cities to live around the globe.
The project has been designed and conceived to the
most eco-friendly travel system for public. The metro rail system reduces
carbon emission, fuel consumption and pollution.
How is Hyderabad Metro Rail an eco-friendly transport
system?
So when a solution for the high density of
traffic and consequent traffic snarls, blockages and increasing fumes around
traffic signals is mooted, the one thought that engages the attention of a
conscious citizen is …will the new Mass Rapid Transport System like a Metro Rail
become part of the problem or be the solution the City of Hyderabad needs in
the present time frame.
Metro Rails generate around 35% to 40% of
their power from the in-built regenerative braking technology, thus avoiding
the need for extra power, and burning of coal for power generation.
HMR reduces carbon footprint by more than
3,000 tons a year, which is an unprecedented and unparalleled achievement for a
modern transport system.
The elevated metro rail system of HMR boasts an eco-friendly architecture. This is a testimony to the efforts of
L&T in creating sustainable and environment-friendly engineering solutions.
HMR itself is a huge eco-friendly project.
As a gesture of its sincerity and dedication towards making Hyderabad a clean
and green city to live in, the organization actively supported a mega green
initiative, Haritha Haaram, organized recently by the Government of Telangana.
Once HMR goes operational in all corridors,
commuters of Hyderabad can enjoy a safer, faster, more comfortable and
eco-friendly travel.
