Hyderabad Metro plans e-autos for last mile connectivity

A day after commencing services on the Ameerpet-Hitec City route, Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL) is working on equipping stations with first and last mile connectivity by introducing e-autos.

Currently, bicycles, e-bikes, conventional bikes and cars were made available by some companies at different stations on the Nagole-Miyapur and Ameerpet-LB Nagar routes. Now, plans are afoot to introduce e-autos at 10 stations of JNTU College, KPHB, Erragadda, SR Nagar, Dilsukhnagar, Victoria Memorial, Habsiguda, Khairatabad, Durgam Cheruvu and Hitec City.

 

These autos, which are eco-friendly, are to be operated in association with different agencies. To this effect, HMRL invited firms for operating e-auto services. Initially, authorities planned to commence the service with 100 e-autos, and extend it to more stations and increase the fleet based on the response. The idea is to provide comfortable and convenient first and last mile



connectivity for Metro passengers, an official said.

The vehicles — three or five-seaters — will come with GPS tracking system to ensure safety of passengers. This will also help track the vehicle’s movement as well. There will be a prescribed uniform for the drivers and a special helpline for lodging complaints or feedback. In case of any complaints or failing to follow the prescribed conditions, penalties are proposed to be levied, including for overcharging fares, misbehavior, poor customer support, mobile phone driving etc.

Vehicles will be fixed with details of connectivity routes, apart from applicable fare for the journey selected by the passenger. The contract for the selected agencies will be valid for five years and those quoting the least fare per km will be given priority. Electricity charging points and other necessary infrastructure will have to be set up by the agency.