Sunday, December 11, 2016

Hyderabad Metro Rail – The only solution for pollution-free travel


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. 

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