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Stating that 200 metros across the globe have been built more as structural engineering solutions, Hyderabad Metro Rail (MHR) managing director NVS Reddy said they are taking Hyderabad Metro as an opportunity to achieve multiple objectives and to transform Hyderabad into an eco-friendly city.

Reddy shared with the audience his vision of redesigning Hyderabad as a people friendly and global city, in a thought provoking presentation entitled, “We are not building Metro in Hyderabad!!”, at State Art Gallery, Madhapur, on Saturday evening. He calls his model “Transit +”.

He explained how the metro rail is getting integrated with main railway stations, bus depots, MMTS stations and dedicated feeder buses to reduce road congestion and pollution.

Setting up of bike stations, designing skywalks and sidewalks, establishing quality public space near metro stations for promoting family values and providing recreation space for the poor are a part of the social agenda for the metro project.

He is drawing upon the valuable lessons and best practices of different metros, and at the same time, avoiding their mistakes, he said and promised that Hyderabad Metro Rail will be one of the best metros in the world, making the city a much sought-after global destination.

He informed the audience that HMR is collaborating with Hyderabad Bicycling Club, GHMC, HMDA and APIIC for setting up bicycle stations to promote “cycle to work” culture in Hyderabad to burn calories, save energy and reduce pollution levels.

During the course of interaction with co-speakers and audience, he invited dancer Nayantara Nanda Kumar to create another ‘sacred space’ at one of the metro rail depots by building open amphitheatre and children’s play station with biodegradable materials. He also requested Evita Feranandez to establish a world class maternity hospital near one of the metro stations.

Nayantara described how she has built “Our Sacred Space” at Secunderabad with completely biodegradable materials, without the use of any cement concrete.

Evita Fernandez, founder of Fernandez Hospital, shared her commitment to reducing women mortality during pregnancy.