Hyderabad Metro Expansion: Surveys underway for JBS-Medchal and JBS-Shamirpet routes
Hyderabad metro rail surveys for traffic, environment impact are being carried out in JBS-Medchal routes, reports to be submitted within a month
By Newsmeter Network Published on 16 Feb 2025 5:52 PM IST
Hyderabad Metro Rail: JBS to Shamirpet soil testing, traffic and environment impacts being carried out
Hyderabad: Traffic survey, geo testing of soil and environmental impact of Hyderabad Metro Rail from JBS to Medchal (24 km), JBS to Shamirpet (21 km) is being carried out at a brisk pace, said Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL) managing director NVS Reddy.
Reddy explained that three major studies are essential for DPR preparation: Traffic Surveys, Soil Testing (Geotechnical Investigation) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
Traffic survey assessment
During traffic surveys various factors such as the current daily travel count on these corridors, future travel projections, turning movements at junctions, pedestrian footfall, travel time for vehicular traffic, the percentage of commuters likely to switch over to Metro Rail, passenger density at the proposed Metro stations etc will be analyzed, said Reddy.
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study will examine air quality, particulate matter levels in the air, sources of air and noise pollution, water resources, biodiversity (flora and fauna), and the impact of the project on local livelihoods.
Regarding soil testing, he mentioned that the study would include a detailed investigation of soil and subsoil conditions, an assessment of the load-bearing capacity of the soil strata, groundwater levels, seismic risk analysis etc. Based on this data, the Metro pillars, stations, and other structures will be designed to ensure their strength and stability.
Typically, a borehole is drilled every half kilometre as part of soil testing, with each borehole being drilled to a depth of about 50 to 100 feet to evaluate soil and rock conditions. Since HMDA and the National Highways Authority have already conducted some soil studies, Metro authorities are now conducting soil tests at 25 locations in the JBS-Medchal route and 19 in the JBS-Shamirpet route.
Of these, 14 tests in the Medchal route and 11 in the Shamirpet route have been completed, and all soil tests will be concluded by the end of this month, he stated. He assured that all necessary precautions are being taken to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience for the public once the Metro corridors are operational.
