The metro project for the Medchal and Shamirpet corridors in Hyderabad is moving forward. Survey activities such as traffic studies, soil testing, and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) are being carried out at a fast pace.
According to Hyderabad Metro Rail officials, these surveys are crucial for preparing the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the metro routes from Jubilee Bus Station (JBS) to Medchal (24 km) and JBS to Shamirpet (21 km). The reports will be submitted to the State government by the end of March. Once approved, they will be sent to the Central government for further clearance.
Metro officials are conducting traffic surveys to analyze daily travel counts, future travel trends, vehicle movement at junctions, pedestrian footfall, travel times, and expected commuter shifts to the metro. These studies will help in planning metro stations and routes efficiently.
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study will assess air quality, pollution levels, water resources, and biodiversity. It will also examine how the metro project may affect local communities and their livelihoods.
Soil testing is another key part of the survey. A senior metro official stated that the study will assess soil strength, groundwater levels, and seismic risks. This data will be used to design stable metro pillars and stations. Boreholes are drilled every half kilometre, reaching depths of 50 to 100 feet to examine soil and rock conditions.
Since some soil studies were already conducted by HMDA and the national highways authority, metro officials are now focusing on 25 locations along the JBS-Medchal route and 19 locations along the JBS-Shamirpet route. So far, 14 tests have been completed along the Medchal route and 11 along the Shamirpet route. All soil tests are expected to be finished by the end of this month.
