Maha Metro Managing Director Dr Brijesh Dixit showcased Metro Neo technology, which will be soon implemented in Nasik by Maha Metro, at World Expo Dubai, 2021. Similarly, the multi-modal integration (MMI) of Nagpur Metro, which received a national award recently, was also highlighted.
Construction of metros is a recent phenomenon in India and it is basically an infrastructure for people. The main challenge is how to connect metro to people. The only way this can be done is through other modes of transport, which has been done by Nagpur Metro, said Dr Brijesh Dixit, Managing Director of Maha Metro. He was participating in a panel discussion on ‘Smart and Sustainable Transportation; Focus on Urban Transport Systems’ in the Expo.
The discussion moderator Dr O P Agrawal praised Dr Dixit for bagging the national award for best metro feeder service. He said that Nagpur Metro has created a model feeder service, which should be emulated by other metros.
Dr Dixit further said that metro feeder service in India can be provided through e-scooters, e-autorickshaws, e-rickshaws, battery operated mini-vans, bicycles and through rescheduled city buses. “Nagpur Metro is providing many of these vehicles to its passengers. We have signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with private operators and Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) for this purpose. We are also providing feeder service at Nagpur airport from the Airport metro station,†he added.
The MD further said that for successfully providing feeder services, it was important that metro stations have the necessary infrastructure. “We provided this infrastructure right from the beginning. Our stations have space for shared bicycles, for vehicle parking and bays for feeder vehicles,†he added.
Earlier, Dr Dixit gave a presentation on Metro Neo, which has been designed by Maha Metro. He described it as an innovative and cost-effective mass transport solution for Tier-2 and Tier-3 Indian cities. “It runs on dedicated right of way and is eco-friendly and smart,†he said. Dr Agrawal said that this model will of great help to other cities in the world.