The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : RTC promises luxury ride soon

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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

RTC promises luxury ride soon

S. Sandeep Kumar

New projects proposed with World Bank grants; team inspects stretch

Patancheru-Dilsukhnagar stretch to be developed at a cost of Rs. 93 crore
158 luxury services, including air-conditioned buses will be operated on this route

HYDERABAD: Commuters travelling in APSRTC buses between Patancheru and Dilsukhnagar in the city can look forward for a comfortable ride, if the Corporation’s plans presented before the World Bank fructify.

With the World Bank short-listing nine cities in the country, including Hyderabad to promote public transport system, the APSRTC has proposed to develop the 43-kilometre stretch between Patancheru- Dilsukhnagar with an estimated cost of Rs. 93 crore.It proposes to construct one exclusive terminal at Dilsukhnagar, 30-odd bus shelters across the route and introduce air-conditioned bus services between the two points, informed a senior official of the Corporation.

APSRTC authorities on Thursday and Friday displayed a power-point presentation to the World Bank officials on the proposed development of the stretch. Under the project, authorities are also proposing to operate 158 luxury services, including air-conditioned buses between Patancheru and Dilsukhnagar in exclusive bus lanes.

Route inspected

The nine-member World Bank team led by Ke Fang on Thursday even travelled across the stretch, which is one of the high density corridors in the city to study the feasibility of the proposed developmental works.

Under the Global Environment Facility (GEF) scheme, the World Bank would grant the funds for four years and if it is convinced with the proposed project, works would commence within 18 months from the date of sanction, said the official.

Ajmer, Mysore, Jalandhar, Ahmedabad, Naya Raipur, Indore, Pune and Trivandrum are the other cities short-listed by the World Bank for taking up such commuter-friendly projects. If they are convinced with our proposal, then Hyderabad would be the first city to bag funds from World Bank under GEF scheme, explained the official.

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