Hyderabad is looking to address its long-standing last-mile connectivity gaps with a more forward-looking approach, as Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL) begins planning an Automated or Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) system across some of the city's busiest commercial hubs, on lines similar to emerging models in Mumbai.
The proposed network is expected to link high-footfall areas including the State Secretariat, Knowledge City, Raidurg and Hitec City metro stations, the Financial District, and the Raidurg-Kukatpally corridor.
These locations form the backbone of Hyderabad's IT and business ecosystem, where seamless connectivity remains a critical requirement.
To take the project forward, three firms-LEA Associates, RITES Limited and Balaji Railroad Systems Limited (BARSYL)-have submitted bids to undertake a detailed techno-economic feasibility study (TEFS), along with design and bid process management.
The project is being planned under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) model through a PPP framework. Technical evaluations are currently underway, with financial bids of shortlisted firms expected to be opened shortly.
The feasibility study will play a crucial role in shaping the project, assessing route alignments, technology options, and the financial and legal structure needed for implementation.
The aim is to identify a system that can be efficiently integrated with the existing metro network while remaining commercially viable.
Hyderabad's metro currently spans around 69 km with 57 stations and handles nearly five lakh passenger journeys each day. However, connectivity beyond stations continues to be a limiting factor for many commuters.