NVS Reddy pushes for Metro, e-bus expansion to tackle urban traffic

Telangana Government’s Urban Transport Adviser N.V.S. Reddy, on Thursday, emphasised the need to introduce a large number of electric buses to curb the surge in private vehicles, which is leading to congestion and rising pollution levels, alongside the expansion of Metro rail.

Mr. Reddy said Indian cities are repeating the mistakes made by developed countries by prioritising car-oriented infrastructure over people-centric mobility solutions and pedestrian facilities. He was speaking at a national symposium on “Sustainable Transportation for Equitable, Efficient and Resilient Infrastructure in India” held at the BITS Pilani Hyderabad campus, marking the Foundation Day of the Transportation Research Group of India.

The former Managing Director of Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMR) urged professors and research scholars from BITS and other premier institutions to study the ground realities of traffic issues in Indian cities and come up with practical, implementable solutions.

Pointing to Indian socio-economic conditions and political constraints, he said that harsh measures such as congestion charges, restrictions on car ownership, high parking fees, stiff traffic fines, and dedicated bus lanes may not be feasible.

Instead, he stressed the need to focus on intelligent transportation systems, digital solutions, and apps that improve first- and last-mile connectivity, with seamless integration across Metro rail, electric buses, and other energy-efficient public transport systems. BITS Pilani Hyderabad Director Prof. Dharmarajan Sriram and faculty members were present, according to a press release.