Hyderabad Metro takes no lesson from technical snags

Hyderabad: Metro Rail services have been disrupted more than thrice in the last couple of weeks for different reasons, irking commuters while travelling on the world class facility.

While services were interrupted when a poster got blown on to the overhead power cables more than once. power issues hit train operations on Friday.

On Saturday, Metro Rail services were interrupted twice due to a technical snag on the Nagole-Miyapur section and when a flex fell on Moosapet-Miyapur down line.

Similar issues had risen during the monsoon and during summer storms last year, but preventive measures have not been taken.

Passengers complained that they were left without information when services were stopped. A few passengers alleged that the staff did not know when the services would resume.

Staff did not inform new passengers about the snag, and continued issuing tickets. Unusual crowding was reported at all stations as services were shut down and more passengers were being allowed entry.

Despite having an exclusive electricity line, Metro Rail authorities have been interrupting services quite frequently citing power issues. Authorities said that the fail-safe system used by HMRL forces the shutdown in case of damage or failure of any component.

Additionally, they said, the GHMC had not removed hoardings along the Metro Rail corridors. During windy conditions, the hoardings have landed on the Metro Rail’s power cables.

HMRL managing director N.V.S. Reddy said several factors were responsible for interrupting Metro Rail services. He said that during gales flexis fell on the 25KV line that powers the trains. When this happens, the system has to be shut down to remove the posters. This takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Asked about the fail-safe system which was shutting down the trains in the event of a technical snag, Mr Reddy said it would enable authorities to learn if a component was damaged. This can help quick problem-spotting and repairs.

“Unlike other Metros, in Hyderabad we have been facing minimal problems. Most of the interruptions occur due to external factors like pollution, power interruption, fall of hoardings. Since most of the equipment was imported it cannot sustain in Indians conditions. We are trying to upgrade them to minimise interruptions,” he said.

About  unusual crowding in the stations, Mr Reddy said it occurred when trains were stopped to remove a flexi that fell on the cabless. “This resulted in passenger bunching,” he said.