Hyderabad: Metro Rail systems across the world are doing their bit to encourage their commuters to be fit.
Going viral on social media of late is one instance in Vystavochnaya a station on the Filyovskaya Line of the Moscow Metro which allows you to get a free ticket if you do 30 squats in two minutes.
Indian netizens were thoroughly impressed with the initiative. While many felt that it was not the money, but depicted how careful the government was about their citizens’ health and fitness, others pointed out that such initiatives with freebies were required in India too.
When asked if the Hyderabad Metro Rail proposed to introduce any such initiatives, a senior official said they wouldn’t be viable daily, but could be an on-and-off gig to attract people.
“HMRL has taken up many initiatives. Footpaths are being developed on either side of the stations in attractive ways to catch the attention of people and make them walk,” the official said.
“People who stay close by can walk to the stations, which is healthy. The Miyapur station has become a quality public space with several morning and evening walkers taking a stroll every day,” he said.
Additionally, escalators are stopped during non-peak hours at many stations.
This is not only to save electricity but also to encourage people to use the staircase, as climbing steps is the most convenient form of exercise. Wall posters at every station ask people to use the staircase.
Furthermore, as part of the first and last mile connectivity, bicycles are being provided at Metro stations for people to use as well, the official said.
Another Metro Rail official pointed out, “At the street level, we are creating quality public spaces, providing facilities like decent footpaths, bicycles and asking people to use them across the corridor.”
“All the amenities are contributing to fitness but we are not pushing them. The onus is on the people to make the most of the available amenities at Metro stations,” the official added.
