Keolis Begins New Metro Operation in Hyderabad (India)

  • On 29 November, 2017, Keolis has begun its first passenger services on an initial 30km section of a new automated metro network in Hyderabad, India.
  • Expected to carry 1.3 million passengers daily when fully operational, the Hyderabad metro will help to reduce road congestion and boost the local economy.
  • This new metro service in Hyderabad reinforces Keolis’ international expertise and leadership in automated metro operations and maintenance.

Keolis has begun operating the first section of a new automated metro network in Hyderabad, India. The initial section of the network covers 30km, from Myapur to Ameerpet and on from Ameerpet to Nagole. The additional sections will open in the next few years, delivering an impressive network 68 km in length, with three lines and 65 stations. To mark the occasion, an official opening ceremony was held on 28 November at Miyapur station in the presence of the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.

Hyderabad is the thriving capital of southern India’s Telangana state and has a population of nearly 10 million people. The new metro project is a Telangana State Government initiative to support improvements to the city’s public transport and its long-term economic and social development. With this new network the city can now boast the longest overhead metro line in the world and when finally complete it will also have the second largest metro system in India.

The Hyderabad metro network is equipped with CBTC technology, which allows for higher frequencies and speeds for passenger journeys. The service will connect major businesses and residential areas to the city and is eventually expected to carry some 1.3 million passengers daily.

Keolis was awarded the operations and maintenance contract in 2012 by the concessionaire L&T Metro Rail. The core elements of that contract includes operating and maintaining 57 metro trainsets, as well as stations, depots, track, signalling, telecommunications, ticketing systems and ticket sales at stations.

Bernard Tabary, Keolis CEO International, said: “We are pleased to be able to provide this new transport service to the people of Hyderabad. I’m confident that the new metro will help to enhance the quality of life for the local community and provide an additional sense of civic pride to this incredible city. We will now work tirelessly every day to ensure that we give our passengers the best service possible.”

As the world leader in automated metro and CBTC operations, Keolis continues to enhance its expertise abroad  

As the world leader in automated metro operations, Keolis currently manages 4 automated metro networks in France and abroad:

  • Lille metro: the world’s first fully automated metro GoA4 launched in 1983 (France),
  • Lyon metro Line D: the world’s first fully automated CBTC metro GoA4 launched in 1991 (France),
  • Rennes metro Line A: Keolis will also operate the new line B, expected to be launched by 2020 (France),
  • Docklands Light Railway (DLR) automated metro network in London (United Kingdom).

Keolis will soon launch the CBTC fully automated Shanghai metro line 8, phase 3 in China with partner Shentong Metro and in a couple of years the new CBTC automated Rapid Transit Transport system for Shanghai Pudong International airport.