IndiGlobal Bureau
The Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited has initiated drone survey of Metro Rail alignment, affected properties etc., in the old city. Apart from conventional survey, drone survey is also commenced to take exact measurements of the affected properties which are required for road widening in the narrow stretch between Darul-shifa junction and Shalibanda junction and for construction of metro stations, stated HMRL MD Mr NVS Reddy.
Protection of about 103 religious and other sensitive structures including 21 masjids, 12 temples, 12 ashoor khanas, 33 dargas, 7 grave yards and 6 chillas is a major challenge for metro construction here. Drone survey will be helpful in evolving appropriate engineering solutions to save the religious and other sensitive structures. Metro alignment, pillar locations etc., are being planned in such a way that there is no adverse effect on these religious and other sensitive structures, he explained.
The MD mentioned that drone survey enables quick collection of real time data, high resolution imaginary, 3D modeling, seamless integration of GIS (Geographic Information System) data and CAD software, data analysis and visualization.
Simultaneously, tenders are also being finalized for starting soil investigation in the coming few days, averred Mr NVS Reddy. Soil investigation will start from Falaknuma end where Falaknuma metro station will be located. Apart from MGBS which is already an existing station, the 5.5 km metro stretch in the old city will have 4 other stations namely, Salarjung Museum, Charminar (metro stations will be about 500 metres away from these two monuments), Shalibanda and Falaknuma.
It may be noted that the residents of the Old City and beyond in Hyderabad have been demanding for metro rail connectivity for a long time. There is a Hyderabad Multi-Modal Transport System (MMTS) operated by the South Central Railway connecting Secunderabad to Falaknuma but the service is erratic and citizens have been complaining of cancellation of services very often. Rahman, a resident of Purani Haveli says, “The MMTS does not touch several parts of the Old City and there is a need for metro service.”