HYDERABAD: The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation has taken another step to improve connectivity between city buses and MMTS services by facilitating easier access to MMTS stations.
Road widening, infrastructure upgrades planned
The civic body plans road widening and supporting infrastructure to ensure smooth movement of city buses up to MMTS stations. At present, Hyderabad has 51 MMTS stations, but only some are served by city buses, while several stations lack direct bus connectivity.
GHMC has decided to remove bottlenecks such as narrow roads, congested colonies and obstructing pipelines. Alternative arrangements will be made to facilitate road expansion wherever required.
HMDA arm prepares coordinated action plan
Humla, an arm of the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority, has prepared a special action plan outlining measures to be taken by the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation, South Central Railway, GHMC and Hyderabad Metro Rail.
As per the HMDA master plan, no construction is permitted within a 30-metre radius of railway stations. Station premises must allow easy access for buses, autos, cabs and other vehicles. If construction is proposed within this zone, a no-objection certificate from Railways and local bodies will be mandatory. For new constructions, a no-objection certificate has been proposed as compulsory, excluding existing structures.
Integrated ticketing, GPS-based access proposed
Authorities have proposed mandatory mapping of all railway station areas and GPS-based access for city buses and other vehicles. Connectivity between metro rail services and city buses will also be enhanced, with arrangements to allow city buses to stop at all metro stations.
An integrated single-ticket system covering MMTS, city buses and metro services has also been proposed. Humla officials said works are likely to begin soon and that integrated public transport would significantly improve commuter convenience. MMTS services are also expected to improve as part of the initiative.