“Hyderabad Metro is the largest metro rail PPP”: Interview with K.V.B. Reddy

Enterprises in the transportation sector are shifting towards end-to-end digitalisation of their business operations. In an interview with tele.net, K.V.B. Reddy, managing director and chief executive officer, L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad) Limited (L&TMRHL), discusses the key technology trends, the organisation’s digital initiatives, challenges and future outlook…

What are key technology trends reshaping the Indian transportation sector? What role are 5G and IoT playing in this transition?

India’s transportation sector is undergoing a major transformation, driven by the adoption of cutting-edge technologies such as 5G, internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML). These technologies are helping to create a more connected, efficient, and sustainable transportation ecosystem. Hyderabad Metro is the largest public-private partnership (PPP) in the world in the metro rail sector. The metro has a total network of 69 km spread across the three corridors in Hyderabad. Currently, Hyderabad Metro is using IoT in our regenerative braking technology, communication-based train control, automatic fare collection system, communication system etc. Using IoT has enabled us with efficient cost control, safety management, effective maintenance and work management ensuring efficiency.

What are the digital initiatives taken by Hyderabad Metro? How are they transforming your business and operations?

L&TMRHL boasts state-of-the-art facilities, exemplified by our cutting-edge rolling stock, aligning seamlessly with our commitment to environmental sustainability. As a responsible organisation deeply engaged in a strategic partnership with the government, the pursuit of sustainability and technical advancement has been a foundational objective since our inception. We firmly believe that technology and digital solutions are instrumental in realising our goal of sustainable practices. Our avant-garde technology framework has positioned us as a project dedicated to promoting green mobility. Recognising AI and sustainability as the new digital imperatives, we continuously strive for innovative technological solutions to enable seamless multimodal integration.

L&TMRHL offers a range of features designed to enhance the commuter experience. Nearly 75 per cent of our ticketing happens digitally. Passengers can purchase tickets from various digital platforms such as PhonePe, Paytm and Hyderabad Metro’s TSavaari App. Furthermore, we have introduced metro ticket booking through WhatsApp. This user-friendly option allows passengers to effortlessly book tickets from any location, contributing to an even more seamless digital travel experience. We are resolute in our mission to provide an eco-friendly, efficient, and advanced transportation system for the benefit of the passengers in Hyderabad.

What are the main challenges while implementing these technologies? How do you plan to address these?

As the largest PPP globally, effective management of multiple stakeholders is essential.

• The ongoing and growing technological advancements, combined with the complexity of existing systems, currently present challenges for embracing additional new technologies. Continuous digital and technical upgrades require capex, and as a PPP, there is a need for a robust financial commitment to pursue better returns.
• Additionally, the task of overseeing multiple vendors involved in the project’s implementation adds to the intricacies of the technical operational landscape.
• Moreover, there is a need to educate staff with the necessary technical knowledge and skills training, while simultaneously recruiting new personnel with the requisite expertise to manage the latest technological advancements like IoT, 5G and AI.
• All other public transportation modes need to adapt to the changing technological innovation to make commuting easy and simple for the common man.

What are the three technology trends that will transform the industry in the future?

Technology is changing every day. With AI and a lot of the other revolutions in the picture, we believe these would be the changes in the transportation industry:

• One common mobility pass: The concept of a unified mobility pass, as seen in countries like Singapore, is likely to extend to developing nations such as India. This secure digital pass would simplify and streamline the travel experience for passengers across various modes of public transportation. As awareness grows regarding global warming and sustainability, public transportation is expected to become a preferred choice, making a common mobility pass a convenient and hassle-free solution for commuters.
• Advancements in transportation technology: The future of transportation is undergoing a dual transformation with the rise of autonomous vehicles (AVs) and electric mobility. AVs not only promise improved road safety and increased efficiency but are also expected to evolve into fully autonomous systems, enhancing first mile and last mile connectivity for passengers. Simultaneously, the global shift toward electric vehicles and sustainable mobility solutions, supported by governments worldwide, is accelerating. This combined progress signals a significant and positive shift in the transportation landscape, promoting safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
• Mobility as a service (MaaS): There will be a huge shift from personally owned vehicles to using MaaS or public transportation. With sustainability initiatives worldwide public transportation would be one of the most commonly and frequently used. MaaS platforms also aim to provide users with flexible, convenient and efficient transportation options, often facilitated through mobile applications and we are proud to say Hyderabad Metro already has all those facilities with greater connectivity across the city.