Bus Rapid Transit System will be back in Hyderabad

The Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) is once again back in the reckoning for Hyderabad.The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is actively considering the introduction of BRTS in the city with a special focus on better transportation facilities in fringe areas.

Authorities have tentatively identified four routes – Mehdipatnam–Lingampally, JNTU-Financial District, Allwyn Chowrasta–Gachibowli and BHEL-Miyapur for taking up the project.

“It is still in the initial stages. Issues like routes, funding pattern, establishment of a Special Purpose Vehicle etc., have to be discussed,” said a senior official.Confirming the move, Mayor Bonthu Rammohan said the introduction of BRTS and the tramway system as well would be discussed during the Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA) meeting to be held shortly.

The idea is to launch BRTS covering a distance of 50 km on a pilot basis. Aspects like connectivity for pedestrians would be addressed through construction of Foot Over Bridges or subways. All these details have to be discussed and finalised during the UMTA meeting, he said.

Majority of the areas in the proposed stretches lack sufficient transportation facilities. Though TSRTC is operating city buses, most people here still depend on autos and cabs for transportation, besides personal transportation. With several IT and corporate companies and residential localities, these areas record heavy traffic both in terms of vehicles and pedestrians.

“Transportation in the core area of the city will be addressed by Metro Rail, MMTS and city buses but there is a need to focus on fringe areas. This is where BRTS can come in handy,” said the official.

In fact, the idea of BRTS is not new to city. With active discussions way back in the early 2000s, authorities had even planned to take up the project under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) in 2010.

Two routes, a 20km route from Mehdipatnam– Miyapur via Gachibowli Crossroads and an 18km route from Mehditpatnam – Kukatpally via Malaysian Township were identified as well. However, citing various impediments, the project did not take off.