All About Automated Fare Collection (AFC) Technology

Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMR) will provide an efficient public transport system and revamp the urban infrastructure, apart from lowering traffic congestion and reducing air and noise pollution.

Ticketing solution for HMR is a state-of-the-art Automated Fare Collection (AFC), based on Contactless Fare Media technology. The prototype has been manufactured by Samsung SDS. Capable of handling high traffic, especially during rush hours, the system has a highly secured infrastructure and a user friendly interface, with induction loop for the hearing impaired and an interactive touch screen. AFC gates and ticket vending machines are designed to meet the needs of all passengers.

The Automated Fare Collection (AFC) system categorizes each Metro Rail premise into two separate areas – ‘paid’ and ‘unpaid’, demarcated by the automated entry and exit gates. These automated gates ensure that only passengers with valid tickets can enter the ‘paid’ area, which simultaneously ensure a 100% ticket check-in facility.    

Hyderabad Metro Rail will have two types of fare media - Contactless Smart Card (CSC) and Contactless Smart Token (CST). Suitable for non-frequent passengers, the contactless tokens are pre-paid options for journey between metro stations and they can be paid for a single trip or return trip. For a Contactless Smart Card, the fare between two Metro rail stations is deducted automatically from the stored amount at the exit gate. Available as either monetary (e-Purse) form or non-monetary (Pass) form or combination of these options, CSC will be a convenient option for frequent passengers.

With a web application for the commuters, Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) solution will allow passengers to top-up and recharge their contact-less smart cards online. It will accept valid credit/debit cards for buying and recharging smart cards and tokens. It also has sub-systems such as Automated Passenger Gates, Ticket Vending Machines, Ticket Office Machines, Add Value Machines, Ticket Readers and Portable Ticket Analyzers.

The Automated Fare Collection (AFC) system will ensure that Hyderabad Metro Rail is at par with latest passenger service and passenger security criteria. 

Hyderabad Metro Rail – Transforming Vision into Reality

Hyderabad is a city that blends heritage and technology, tradition and modernism with an unmatched flamboyance. Comfortable travel at an affordable, ‘value for money’ price is what Hyderabad Metro Rail will provide to the denizens of this erstwhile city of Nizams. Connecting important destinations, it is positioned to reduce traffic issues and pollution levels while positively impacting the ‘livability’ index of this bustling city.

Hyderabad Metro Rail is a marvel of cutting edge technology, engineering innovation and high standards of passenger safety. Focusing on Transit-oriented Development (ToD), it is the largest public private partnership (PPP) in the world in the Metro Rail category. Communication Based Train Control (CBTC) and Regenerative Braking Technology (RBT) are some of the latest engineering that have been extensively used in this project. 

Spanning across a distance of 72 kilometers with 3 corridors (and three lines – Red, Blue and Green) and interchange stations, Hyderabad Metro Rail will act as a high speed transportation backbone for passengers commuting as a part of work or leisure. Intermodal transportation facilities such as MMTS, bus stations and IRCTC will provide last mile connectivity for passengers commuting by Hyderabad Metro Rail. 

Flyovers and road construction are unable to keep up with the ever increasing city traffic. Hyderabad Metro Rail comes as a welcome relief that will ease traffic congestion and significantly reduce commuting time.   With a host of commuter-friendly facilities and modern features, the Metro Rail is all set to usher into a new era of economic growth and development. Offering huge business potential to brands and local entrepreneurs, retail spaces at most stations will cater to entertainment and shopping needs of commuters.

Metro Rail projects have been instrumental in the socio-economic development across the world and also in improving the urban landscape. Benefitting almost all sections of the society, this project will re-establish Hyderabad as a city with a futuristic mindset.  www.ltmetro.com

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. 

Here's an Easy Way to Reduce Your Commute Time & Cost

There’s a saying – Time and tide wait for none. It is a universal truth. Manage your time wisely – it is more valuable than money. Bad news is time just flies - Good news is you are the pilot.

It is in our hands to utilize and effectively manage time. Now this brings to one of the most important management principles – Time Management. 

What is Time Management? Google the term ‘Time Management’ and you get a lot of definitions and a deluge of tips and advices on how to manage time.

We are all taught the value of time right from our childhood. All schools and colleges have set timetables and structured pedagogy so time used by students is productive. 

Businesses/corporates also have set timelines, SLAs, etc. to pursue their work, deliver projects in time and successfully reach their goals. It’s all about planning and organizing your time and work for the day. 

While you planned your schedule for the delay very well, you may still be unable to pursue your plan in time and as per schedule. Why?  Did you ever realize that your more than a quarter of your time is eaten away in your commute to office or school or any other destination. Most of your productive time is gone wasted, landing you in frustration and distress.

Time management is not very difficult as a concept but is surprisingly hard to pursue in practice. You encounter situations beyond your control that have a major impact on your time. 

Let’s say, you are an employee of a company or a worker of a business. How do you commute to your workplace? You choose either one of the public transport systems, bus, MMTS (in case it MMTS stations close by to your office and home) or private transport options such as your own bike, car or car pool (with your colleagues o someone else going in a route towards your office). Not many can afford a cab for daily commute.

Well, if you start in time to your office and there is no traffic, you will be lucky to reach in time.
Let’s say your office timings are 9 am to 5 pm. If you start at 8 you are in safe zone. If your office is very far, it is advisable you start even before 8 am. Otherwise you are bound to get stuck in traffic. 

You will surely have to pay the price of being late to your office. Even if you start 5 minutes late, you will be delayed by an hour or even more. You end up getting rebuked in your office for being late. The situation will be even more pathetic if you have some presentation to make or project note to complete or an important client meeting to attend. Hyderabad has unwillingly gotten used to it. No matter what mode of transport you choose, bus, bike or car, you are bound to be delayed. Reason? TRAFFIC.

In a place like Hyderabad, you can never afford to start late to office. We all know Hyderabad is notoriously famous for its traffic. The conditions have now degraded from bad to worse. Courtesy - too many owned vehicles (two and four wheelers), increasing number of cabs, and bad road conditions. Development of Hyderabad to being one of the top global hubs of IT, has brought in a huge influx of migrants from across the country. 

The sorry state of roads due heavy rains in the city has taken a heavy toll on public. Several accidents have taken place, which resulted in people going to hospitals instead of office, school or college. 

Here's an easy way to solve this problem once and for all…

To solve the pressing issue of traffic and provide public the fastest and safest mode of transportation, the Hyderabad Metro Rail project is being envisaged and developed. It is one of the world’s largest modern transport systems based upon the PPP (public private partnership) model.

Hyderabad Metro Rail is the only solution that addresses all issues at once. The Metro project brings together 'best in class' resources and technology in every aspect of the project. 

Hyderabad Metro Rail caters to the travel needs of all types of commuters who belong different walks of life – may it white collar or blue collar employees (men and women), lay men, college students, school kids, housewives, business men, senior citizens, specially-abled people, etc.
Everyone gets to enjoy a peaceful travel to their destination at a cost that is lighter on their pockets. Commuters can reach their destination in way lesser time compared to any other mode of public transport. 

Most of the school kids may travel in their school bus, if their school has any. However, some may use metro rail to have a very safe travel to their school. Kids may utilize their travel time productively by studying or preparing for an exam if they have any. 

Corporate employees travelling in metro rail may use their laptops to complete any quick tasks of their project as they travel. They may check and respond to mails too. This gives a great relief and peace of mind. The only mass mode of transport where you are allowed to use laptops and mobiles is Hyderabad Metro Rail. 

Even for housewives, metro is a great blessing. If they don’t have raithubazar nearby their home, they will surely have a metro station. They can go to a grocery shop or supermarket in the metro station and buy everything they need. They can also have a safe and comfortable travel to any place covered by metro network. 

Spanning 72 km of distance across Hyderabad, and categorized into 3 corridors represented by red, blue and green colors, the metro network spreads across the length and breadth of the city. 

Some key features of the project include:

•    Faster, safer and comfortable air-conditioned travel with reduced travel time.
•    Green & Eco-friendly mode of travel - reduces carbon emission, fuel consumption and pollution.
•    High frequency of trains reducing waiting time.

L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad) Ltd, has infused billions of rupees into this a magnificent project, and engaged experts from across the world in different levels to execute each stage to the finest of detail and fruition. The metro rail is designed to be impeccable and unparalleled in architecture, performance and service.

Once complete, Hyderabad Metro Rail will transform Hyderabad as the preferred city in India; with integrated urban transport planning using inter modal connectivity and convenient sky-walks.

The day is not really far away when Hyderabad will bid goodbye to traffic and pollution and usher the beginning of an era of seamless commuting in India.

Hyderabad Metro Rail Station in Kukatpally

Kukatpally is a major residential and commercial hub in Hyderabad. Located on the northwest side of the city, the area Kukatpally, which was earlier a municipality, has everything needed for a safe and comfortable living.

Kukatpally connects to our globally renowned IT corridor of Hyderabad – Hitech City, and is en route to some of the most happening places in the city – Manjeera Mall, Forum and Inorbit, where people eat/drink, shop, watch movies, and relax to their fullest satisfaction on the weekends.

The place has all regional and international brands in eateries and restaurants brands like Pizza Hut, McDonalds, KFC, Country Oven and Cream Stone, among others.

Kukatpally has always been famous for being a big time commercial hub – thousands of shoppers in the area even on the weekdays. One can only imagine the flow and size of crowd on the weekends.

There are also many degree colleges, junior colleges and schools of repute. Kukatpally Housing Board Colony (KPHB), is known to be the biggest colony in India and Asia, with the massive population spread across several phases.

Kukatpally is well connected to most locations of the city by the state-owned bus service, Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC). Furthermore, the area is home to RTC and several private bus operators that run inter-city buses with Kukatpally and KPHB as starting point.

On the flipside, Kukatpally is notoriously famous for its traffic and pollution. Residents of the area are helpless but to await a solution that offers them the best travel experience at reasonable cost.

With buses being the only mode of mass public transport, and lack of MMTS, Hyderabad Metro Rail makes the best, safest and most convenient transport system to residents of Hyderabad.

Thanks to Hyderabad Metro Rail, commuters will bid adieu to the traffic and pollution, and safely speed to their destination.

Safety First is Safety Always

The arrival of Hyderabad Metro Rail is viewed with a lot of anticipation from every section of Hyderabad. In an era where ineffective public transport systems have plagued the city’s growth, Metro Rail makes a great boon to the city.

Hyderabad Metro Rail lays emphasis on commuter safety and security as one of the key priorities. We recognize the need for a transport system that should not only be modern and world-class in build and features but also needs to be equipped with high safety standards for all, especially women, considering numerous instances of sexual violence against woman.

In today’s busy world, it has become imperative for employees of all classes in both genders to travel at any time during day and/or night to fulfill their job and personal responsibilities
Public safety has become questionable in such situations. Mainly women fall a prey to stalkers and other anti-social elements in the late evenings and nights.

Hyderabad Metro Rail has integrated several high-end security features into the safety paradigm of the Metro project.

One of major features is closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV), both for visible and invisible surveillance, which can give a sense of assurance as surveillance can deter troublemakers.

The footage from closed-circuit camera will be continuously monitored from the Operation Control Centre (OCC) at the Uppal depot where the information is disseminated quickly and security personnel can attend any contingency within seconds.

The Metro Rail staff who manage video monitoring will be properly trained and supervised in the legitimate and responsible use of this technology.

Very rarely will anyone attempt to harm you when they know their actions are being recorded on camera. Cameras assure safety of both commuter and his or her personal belongings.

CCTV cameras have helped police and crime investigation departments solve several brutal but treacherous crimes with ease.

In view of the Delhi gang-rape incident, Hyderabad Metro Rail has embarked on these plans while also inviting suggestions from women across the spectrum to make travel safer.

There will also be separate facilities for frisking and scanning that aid in easily detecting any weapons carried by miscreants into coaches and stations.

Efforts are on to deploy uniformed personnel and plainclothesmen from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), including women officers that would keep a strict watch over metro stations along with private security guards.

Residents of Hyderabad can be rest assured that Hyderabad Metro Rail is not only a faster and convenient but also a safer and secure mode of travel to reach your destination.

A testimony to modern architecture - Hyderabad Metro Rail Station in Nagole

Nagole is an outer suburb of Hyderabad. The area spanning across the stretch between L B Nagar and GSI Bandlaguda, Uppal, is a well-known marble and granite stone business center in the twin cities. There are also 2 RTA (Road Transport Authority) driving test tracks. The area has good connectivity via many buses that run to all major parts of the city.

Nagole happens to be a very preferred location for nuclear families. Several new apartments and independent houses are being built to cater to the demand.

Nagole is the first and terminal station of Corridor III of Hyderabad Metro Rail which spans between Nagole to Shilparamam. It is also located close to LB Nagar which is the starting point for LB Nagar- Miyapur corridor.

Thanks to Hyderabad Metro Rail and its Depot (referred to as Uppal Depot) built in the area, Nagole has gained high prominence and fame.

Hyderabad Metro Rail has heralded a near-total transformation of Nagole, ushering a growth spurt in this region which was till recently a nondescript suburb of Hyderabad.

The station offers extensive spaces for retail outlets and strategic locations for advertisers/brands, and other infrastructure required for commuters such as lifts, escalators, ramps and staircases.

This is among the first set of stations of the Hyderabad Metro Rail project, which has catapulted Nagole as a destination of the future and also boosted the real estate value in the surrounding region, thereby emerging as a hub for residential colonies and other new projects in the pipeline.

The station located in the eastern plank of Hyderabad city along with Uppal is also a transit hub which links Warangal highway with Vijayawada highway, as it is situated very close to LB Nagar.
Nagole has witnessed a drastic transformation with the advent of our Metro project that is all set to radically alter the commuting style and travel options of the people of Hyderabad.

Nagole can be simply categorized as ‘before Metro, after Metro’, a growth story which the old timers still recollect in this region.