Our Metro, our Pride

Hyderabad: It was a red-letter day for Hyderabad when Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the inaugural plaza of Metro Rail project at Miyapur on Tuesday and took the first ride in a Metro train. It marked the inauguration of the much-awaited Rs 16,000-crore plus dream for the residents who have been going through a hell on earth every day, commuting through the congested roads with heterogenous traffic, not knowing when a major accident will occur.

Narendra Modi, accompanied by Governor ESL Narasimhan, Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, his deputy Mohammed Mahmood Ali, Municipal Administration Minister K T Rama Rao and others, took the first ride in the Metro train, driven by a young woman from Nizamabad S Supriya, from Miyapur to Kukatpally and back. The Metro Rail project is the world's largest Metro project in a PPP mode.

The 30-km stretch between Miyapur and Nagole thus became operational of the total network distance of 72 km. As Modi and the other leaders got into the train, doors swished closed and the train moved gently forward, as hopes soared among the residents that better days have arrived with the new public transportation system of a very high order.

The ride was memorable for BJP, TRS leaders and officials as they could travel on the inaugural run of Metro with Modi and the Chief Minister. As the train moved on its maiden journey, Modi was seen looking out of his window to take glimpse of the buildings as they raced backwards. Now and then he broke into a conversation with the Governor and KT Rama Rao, who for a change appeared in black suit instead of his trademark white. Rama Rao and Narasimhan were seated on either side of PM while KCR sat next to the Governor.

Rama Rao, who has been in the thick of the arrangements for the inaugural of the Metro train briefed the Prime Minister as to what the entire project is all about and primed him with information that Modi sought from him now and then.

BJP leaders, K Lakshman and G Kishan Reddy, appeared very excited being in proximity with the Prime Minister while the officials though were on their toes were elated over the rare privilege they had in riding with Modi. An excited Chief Secretary SP Singh was seen conversing with his colleagues with a wide smile on his face.

Earlier, before the arrival of the Prime Minister at helipad at Miaypur, waiting appeared eternal for officials and the people's representatives who were looking forward to Prime Minister completing his 10-minute address to BJP leaders at the Begumpet Airport after touch down at 1.19 pm. Though it was a matter of few minutes, they appeared to have felt that time had come to a stop and everyone looked very tensed up and excited at the same time.

Modi, after completing his short meeting with BJP leaders, flew by IAF helicopter with two more choppers in tow, to Miaypur. As the helicopter appeared in the sky, the officials and the politicians prepared for the arrival of the chief guest even as a huge crowd collected outside Miaypur Metro railway station, hoping for a glimpse of the Prime Minister.

Since security was very tight, they had no way of seeing him from close quarters. BJYM youth celebrated the occasion by taking out a bike rally, shouting full-throated slogans and carrying BJP flags. People mostly youth swelled in number at the station as the Prime Minister's helicopter landed. The police, who were trying to keep them away from the railway station, had a tough time since their enthusiasm appeared irrepressible. Now and then, policemen brandished their lathis to make the youth keep a safe distance from the station.

After the touchdown at Miyapur helipad, the Prime Minister walked to the Metro station with the Chief Minister, Municipal Minister and the Governor on his either side. He appeared very enthusiastic about the programme as he was not only brisk, but he took long strides, making it difficult for others to keep pace with him.

First, he went to the inaugural plaza which was constructed to symbolise heritage of Hyderabad and aspirations of its residents. The Prime Minister after reaching the pylon unveiled the plaza by pressing a button. Then he moved on to enter the railway station.

After reaching the first floor - which is the concourse area - the HMRL - gave an audio- visual presentation to him on how the Metro Rail is operated and how it was going to ease traffic congestion in the city which is on the binge of development and growth. The representatives of the HMRL also made another presentation to him on the mobile app that had been brought out for the benefit of the commuters.

Later, the Prime Minister took the elevator and reached the platform on the second floor where the inaugural train was ready to chug out. He got inside along with the other dignitaries and as the doors closed and the train began its journey.

The dignitaries appeared to have appreciated the ultra-modern coaches, automatic ticket vending machines and green and eco-friendly mode of travel as they left the railway station. Modi then took the IAF helicopter and left for HICC, the venue of the Global Entrepreneur Summit (GES).