Corridor-III of Hyderabad Metro likely to be operational soon

: The much-awaited Metro rail link to Hi-Tec City, the IT hub of Hyderabad, is set to become operational soon with theInspection and Safety Certification from the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) likely in about a week.

Trial runs between the Ameerpet andHi-Tec City10km stretch ofHyderabad Metrocorridor-III have been going on since November last year.

"We are expecting CMRS (Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety) Inspection and Safety Certification in about a week. After that the inaugural date will be decided by the government,"Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL) Managing Director N V S Reddy told PTI.

The Ameerpet and Hi-Tec City stretch has eight stations.

"Opening of the 10 km Ameerpet toHi-Tec Citystretch will be a game-changer not only for the Metro project but for Hyderabad city itself. In the next few years, it will make a huge difference in the travel characteristics of the city and improve the competitiveness of Hyderabad," Reddy said.

Hyderabad Metro is recording footfall of1.80 lakh per day on the existing 46 km rail network, Reddy said adding "It is 1.80 lakh per day and it is increasing."