Hyderabad Plans Major Pod Car Network, Identifies 185 Acres for Depots

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Hyderabad is exploring a modern transport system to tackle traffic congestion, with a proposed Personal Rapid Transit System (PRTS) featuring pod cars connected to Metro Rail stations. A study has identified a requirement for 185 acres of land to establish depots for the project.

The proposed network aims to connect the IT corridor from Kukatpally to Hitech City and the Financial District, while also covering other key parts of the city.

Where Will the Depots Be Located?

For PRTS Corridor 1, around 104.8 acres have been identified as necessary in Kukatpally alone. Another 32.5 acres are proposed across two locations in HITEC City, while 43.2 acres are required across three locations in the Financial District.

In the second study area, potential depot locations have been identified near People's Plaza, Bathukamma Ghat, Sanjeevaiah Park and the Ranigunj Bus Depot. Since various government agencies own land in these areas, Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL) is expected to write to the concerned departments seeking land allocation.

Pod Car Network Around IT Corridor

The first study area for the PRTS has been divided into three zones:

1. Zone 1: Kukatpally to Raidurg — 7.62 km
2. Zone 2: Raidurg and HITEC City Metro stations, including the Knowledge City area — 12.83 km
3. Zone 3: Financial District — 14.01 km

A total of 10 terminal stations have been proposed across these three zones. The network is expected to connect with KPHB, Hitech, Durgam Cheruvu and Raidurg Metro stations, as well as the Hitech City MMTS station.

Considering future Metro expansion, additional stations are also being examined near Nanakramguda, Wipro Circle, Biodiversity, Indira Nagar/Radisson Junction and the US Consulate.

Related: Hyderabad Explores 40.82-km Driverless Pod Taxi Network

From Secretariat to Secunderabad

The second study area includes the Secretariat, NTR Marg, Khairatabad, Lakdikapul, the Assembly, Secunderabad West and Begumpet Metro stations. Other locations under consideration include Iqbal Minar Junction, Sanjeevaiah Park and the James Street MMTS station area.

Together, the two study areas cover approximately 20 square kilometres. The proposed system is expected to benefit IT employees, Metro commuters and people travelling to major commercial hubs.

1.14 Lakh Daily Passengers Expected by 2050

According to the study, passenger demand on the PRTS network is projected to grow significantly:

• By 2030: 75,000 passengers per day
• By 2040: 96,000 passengers per day
• By 2050: 1.14 lakh passengers per day

The two study areas currently have a combined population of approximately 10.86 lakh, which could rise to 20.88 lakh by 2050. Employment in these areas is also projected to increase from the current 8.37 lakh to 17.08 lakh by that year.

Larger Vehicles May Also Be Introduced

Each pod car in the proposed PRTS could accommodate four to six passengers. To address potential increases in demand, the study has also suggested considering a Group Rapid Transit System (GRTS), which could carry between 20 and 25 passengers per vehicle.

Overall, the proposal to develop a pod car network alongside Hyderabad's Metro system will depend on key factors, including land allocation, depot development and future passenger demand. The project is currently under study, and the proposed network and facilities should not be considered finalised.

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