Hyderabad: One side of escalators at several Metro Rail stations stopped functioning after L&T initiated a power conservation exercise. Escalators on one side were stopped at Balanagar, Kukatpally, KPHB and JNTU among others. A signage read that for electricity conservation escalators were unavailable and commuters were requested to the stair case or lifts.
Metro officials said the escalator for going up from concourse level to platform level was there. However, downward movement had been stopped and commuters could lifts or the staircase.
Metro train regenerated 35 per cent power used back by the system. However, maximum energy consumption was at stations through escalators and technical rooms that needed precision air conditioning. The highest electricity consumption was by escalators.
However, L&T official stated, “Once we observe a pattern we will start it based on the need of commuters. However, if customers feel there is an immediate need to start the escalator, we will start it accordingly.”
For big stations like Ameerpet, all escalators were available. In all other stations, from ground level to platform level, all three forms of escalators, lifts and staircase were functioning.
