Keolis has begun operating the first section of a new automated metro network in Hyderabad, India. The initial section of the network covers 30km, from Myapur to Ameerpet and on from Ameerpet to Nagole. The additional sections will open in the next few years, delivering an impressive network 68 km in length, with three lines and 65 stations. To mark the occasion, an official opening ceremony was held on November 28 at Miyapur station in the presence of the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.
Hyderabad is the thriving capital of southern India’s Telangana state and has a population of nearly 10 million people. The new metro project is a Telangana State Government initiative to support improvements to the city’s public transport and its long-term economic and social development. With this new network the city can now boast the longest overhead metro line in the world and when finally complete it will also have the second largest metro system in India.
The Hyderabad metro network is equipped with CBTC1 technology, which allows for higher frequencies and speeds for passenger journeys. The service will connect major businesses and residential areas to the city and is eventually expected to carry some 1.3 million passengers daily.
Keolis was awarded the operations and maintenance contract in 2012 by the concessionaire L&T Metro Rail. The core elements of that contract includes operating and maintaining 57 metro trainsets2, as well as stations, depots, track, signalling, telecommunications, ticketing systems and ticket sales at stations.
Bernard Tabary, Keolis CEO International, said: “We are pleased to be able to provide this new transport service to the people of Hyderabad. I’m confident that the new metro will help to enhance the quality of life for the local community and provide an additional sense of civic pride to this incredible city. We will now work tirelessly every day to ensure that we give our passengers the best service possible.”
