Hyderabad Metro Explores Personal Rapid Transit System (PRTS) for Last-Mile Connectivity

Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL) is evaluating the introduction of a Personal Rapid Transit System (PRTS) on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. A stakeholder workshop was conducted to gather feedback on the Techno-Economic Feasibility Study.

Objective of the Project
- Improve last-mile connectivity for Metro users.
- Enhance access to major business districts and activity centers.
- Reduce dependence on private vehicles and intermediate public transport.
- Help ease urban traffic congestion.

Government Backing
- The study was initiated following directions from A. Revanth Reddy, Chief Minister of Telangana.
- The focus is on identifying innovative and sustainable urban mobility solutions.

Proposed Study Corridors
Study Area I
- Raidurg–Kukatpally corridor.
- Raidurg and HITEC City Metro stations.
- Financial District.

Study Area II
- State Secretariat surroundings.
- Hussain Sagar area.
- Begumpet.
- Assembly area.
- Secunderabad West Metro station.

Expected Benefits
- Seamless connectivity between Metro stations and final destinations.
- Increased Metro ridership.
- Environment-friendly and technology-driven transportation.
- Reduced road congestion in high-density urban zones.

Key Components Studied
- Proposed PRTS network and alignment.
- Ridership assessment.
- Potential depot locations.
- Capacity comparisons with other public transport systems.
- Alignment and implementation challenges.

Stakeholder Participation
- Representatives from government agencies including HMRL, HMDA, GHMC, HUMTA, Traffic Police, TGSRTC, South Central Railway, and other urban development bodies attended.
- Private sector participants included major developers, technology companies, and infrastructure firms such as Tech Mahindra, Raheja Corporation, RMZ Corp, Salarpuria Sattva Group, and L&T Metro.
- Academic institutions including IIT Hyderabad, IIIT Hyderabad, and Osmania University also participated.

Key Takeaway
- Hyderabad is exploring PRTS as an innovative, sustainable last-mile mobility solution that could strengthen Metro connectivity, improve commuter convenience, and support congestion reduction in key growth corridors across the city.