The Hindu : MMTS stations sure to bowl over commuters

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, May 21, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Andhra Pradesh-Hyderabad

MMTS stations sure to bowl over commuters

By J.S. Ifthekhar

HYDERABAD May 20. Not pure aesthetic, not just functional. They are a combination of both. The new railway stations coming up in the city as a part of the Multi Model Transit System (MMTS) are distinctly different from the run-of-the-mill stations. With mere low-cost value additions, the otherwise brick and concrete structures have taken on a wholly new look.

What strikes one is the general colour scheme - blue, yellow and nickel grey. All the 10 new stations are bathed in this hue. But blue remains the predominant colour in tune with the blue and white shade of the trains.

Rather than covering everything with concrete, a touch of eco friendliness is lent. Platforms of the new stations are laced with plantation on an area of one and half metres. In a year's time, the stations will have huge tree cover. Also, for the first time, the platforms are being covered with anti-skid tiles. This will provide better grip and prevent slippage, it is said.

Though, for the present, the MMTS will operate with only six coaches, the authorities are going in for 275-metre-long platform to accommodate 12 coaches. As and when the demand goes up, it is planned to press into service additional coaches.

For the convenience of the aged and disabled, access ramps are being provided in all the new stations. Besides, a low level counter is provided to help the physically challenged. With the decks cleared for the launch of the MMTS on August 15, work on the new stations is progressing at a fast pace. Even old stations are getting a facelift in varying degree. The Arts College, Malakpet and James Street railway stations are totally revamped, while Yakhutpura and Khairatabad stations are also in for major modifications.

The Lakdikapul station, which is expected to be ready in another four months, will be the first underground station in the city due to its low level. Here, commercial space and station building are being integrated as suggested by the Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu, who visited the site on Saturday. The Lakdikapul station will have connectivity on all four sides and a space frame to give it a modern look.

On Tuesday, the MCH Commissioner, Chitra Ramchandran, and other officials visited some of the railway stations to inspect the beautification and development of approach roads. A massive information campaign on the MMTS is proposed to be launched sometime next month.

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MMTS stations sure to bowl over commuters