Use Metro facilities even to cross roads

Kukatpally: Despite pleas by officials to pedestrians to make use of escalators, elevators and stairs at Metro stations, people continue to use the road for crossing the road. Running through traffic and jumping over dividers instead of using Zebra crossings has become a common sight in Hyderabad. Be it the Metro stretch from LB Nagar to Ameerpet and further to Miyapur, or that from Nagole to Ameerpet, all the 41 Metro stations have been provided with stairs, escalators and elevators for senior citizens and differently-abled persons. People can also use them to cross roads without spending a dime.

Perhaps, due to lack of awareness of such facilities, commuters are not taking the Metro route for crossing roads. They are under the impression that the facility is only meant for Metro travellers. With the city Metro services being the second largest network after Delhi in the country, such a facility, if utilised, can provide a lot of comfort to citizens. People need not wait at footpaths until the traffic is clear to cross the roads. Traffic jams due to people walking on roads can be avoided and vehicles running over jaywalkers causing fatal accidents can also be prevented.

Earlier, the officials also directed the Excise Department officials to shift liquor shop outlets located at the entry and exit points at the Metro station, so that the commuters would not face any inconvenience. Jagruti, a Metro commuter who uses Ameerpet Metro Station regularly, said, “It is necessary that people are sensitised about availability of escalators, elevators and stairs at the Metro stations. If they continue to cross the road from the footpath, there are chances of accidents or traffic jams.”