Microsoft, a top IT firm, on Thursday joined the list of about 20 firms that have begun shuttle services to and fro the Hyderabad Metro Rail stations. The service was flagged off by HMR Managing Director N.V.S. Reddy and Cyberabad Commissioner of Police V.C. Sajjanar.
Microsoft would also run about eight car/bus services from Hi-Tec City to its campus. With last-mile connectivity improving by the day, the patronage to the metro rail services to the Hi-Tec city has been steadily rising with about 2.50 lakh passengers using the transport system, said Mr. Reddy. The firms that have started shuttle services include Value Labs, Epam, Invesco, Verizon, Cambridge, ICICI Bank, Novartis, Hexagon among others.
Popular services
The L&TMRHL has also been running ‘merry-go-round’ services from Durgam Cheruvu and Hi-Tec City metro stations towards Gachibowli and Financial District and that these shuttle services have become extremely popular among commuters, he mentioned.
Microsoft vice-president Rajiv Kumar said the software giant has an abiding commitment to environment sustainability and hopes that the introduction of shuttle services from the campus to metro stations would benefit employees and reduce traffic congestion in the area.
Mr. Sajjanar welcomed the initiative taken by the metro rail authorities and appealed to other companies to run similar shuttle services to reduce traffic congestion in Cyberabad area.
L&TMRH managing director and CEO K.V.B. Reddy said bulk purchase of metro smart cards was picking up, and those interested in buying them should contact his colleague Rishi Verma on 994915833.
L&TMRH COO Anil Kumar Saini and other senior officers were present.